An American Cruise Lines river cruise ship, the American Heritage, capsized in the port of New Orleans after being struck by the oil tanker Atlantic Asphalt. The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on November 13, on the New Orleans side of the Mississippi River, near the Crescent City Connection Bridge. The Coast Guard places the incident at mile marker 96. The ship was docked and passengers were disembarking.
Immediately after the collision, the ship listed and capsized. It ended up partially submerged and resting against the dock, with most of its hull underwater. Images from the scene show the tanker's bow embedded in the side of the riverboat.
The oil tanker involved, approximately 160 meters long, sails under the Marshall Islands flag. The American Heritage is a paddlewheeler flying the US flag, approximately 81 meters long, with a capacity for 150 passengers.
Provisional balance
There were approximately 129 passengers and crew members on board. Eight people were taken to a local hospital, and more than 80 were treated at the port. Some people had to be rescued from the river. The passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans administrative building to be triaged and treated.
The response involved the Port Authority Police, firefighters, New Orleans police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and emergency medical services. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno explained that several people have been rescued and that search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Official statements
In a statement, the Port of New Orleans said its “immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members, and emergency personnel.” It also said the incident is “active and evolving,” and that the number of injuries and the cause have not yet been confirmed.
American Cruise Lines has stated that the ship “was involved in a collision while docked in New Orleans.” The cruise line added that “passengers and crew were evacuated” and that it is coordinating with the Coast Guard and local authorities.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said his office was in contact with local authorities and that he was en route to New Orleans. According to a senior White House official, President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident.
Impact on navigation
The Coast Guard has closed the river to all vessel traffic between nautical miles 93 and 96 to facilitate response efforts and damage assessment.
Case under investigation
The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed. According to sources cited by The Guardian, the tanker may have lost propulsion before the impact, but this information is not official.
