A tanker struck a docked river cruise boat carrying 180 people in New Orleans on Friday after apparently losing steering control, according to Mayor Helena Moreno. Everyone aboard survived, while 32 people were taken to hospital. The mayor said none of those hospitalized had critical injuries following the riverfront collision.
Video showed the Atlantic Asphalt tanker hitting the American Heritage, a paddlewheel vessel operated by American Cruise Lines. The cruise boat began taking on water and listing within minutes. It eventually overturned while emergency personnel were still working to evacuate passengers and crew from the damaged boat at the dock.
Tugboat operators, nearby workers, police officers and other rescuers joined the response. Dozens of people from the cruise boat, along with at least two police officers, were rescued from the Mississippi River and brought aboard nearby ships. The operation involved multiple vessels responding as people remained in the river’s waters.
Devon Flanagan, who was working nearby at the Port of New Orleans, said he saw the American Heritage on its side and passengers in the water after workers rushed toward the dock. He described a chaotic scene, with barges and vessels from different companies attempting to help during the rescue effort.
The American Heritage was completing an eight-day cruise that included destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Built in 2015, the five-storey vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The reported total of 180 people aboard included passengers and crew. American Cruise Lines said it was working with the U.S. Coast Guard.
The company said it would provide additional information when available. According to shipping tracker MarineTraffic, the Atlantic Asphalt transports large quantities of asphalt and bitumen. Bitumen is a semi-solid material commonly used in road construction and roofing. The mayor said the tanker appeared to have lost steering before the collision.