In New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana, the oil tanker *Atlantic Asphalt* collided with the passenger cruise ship *American Heritage*, which was moored at a jetty on the River Mississippi. The force of the impact caused the ship to capsize onto its side and begin to sink, with some of the passengers ending up in the water. Thirty-two people were taken to hospital, but none were found to have suffered life-threatening injuries. All passengers and crew members were accounted for, and there were no fatalities.
- The tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the cruise ship American Heritage in New Orleans.
- Following the collision, the passenger vessel capsized and the people ended up in the water.
- 32 people were taken to hospital; there were no fatalities.
- A possible cause of the accident may have been a fault in the tanker’s steering system.
A tanker collided with a cruise ship that was moored at the quay
The accident occurred on 13 November at around 12.30 pm local time near the port of New Orleans. The tanker Atlantic Asphalt lost control and collided with the moored passenger ship American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines.
There were 129 passengers and crew members on board the cruise ship. In total, according to city authorities’ estimates, there were approximately 180–190 people.
Following the collision, the vessel began to take on water, listed to one side and eventually capsized. Some of the passengers managed to leave the vessel before it sank, whilst others were rescued directly from the Mississippi.
According to the port police, around 87 passengers had disembarked before the vessel capsized.
All passengers survived; 32 people were taken to hospital
The US Coast Guard, the port police, the fire service, medical staff and crews from neighbouring vessels were called in to assist with the rescue operation.
Mayor of New Orleans Helena Moreno confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been found. Thirty-two people were taken to hospital, but none are in a critical condition.
The mayor described the rescue as a «miracle on the Mississippi», praising the swift response of the emergency services and bystanders.
The collision may have been caused by a fault in the steering system
US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham reported that the tanker had likely experienced a technical fault with its steering system.
The exact cause of the accident is still being investigated. Following the incident, the Coastguard temporarily suspended vessel traffic on the affected stretch of the Mississippi.
American Cruise Lines has confirmed the collision and stated that it is cooperating with the local authorities. Its representatives emphasised that the top priority remains assisting the passengers and crew.
