NEW ORLEANS, LA — A large tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River Friday afternoon, November 13, causing the passenger vessel to capsize and sending people into the water in a dramatic accident near the Port of New Orleans.
The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time near the Crescent City Connection bridge.
The riverboat had docked about two hours earlier and was in the process of disembarking passengers when the collision occurred.
According to port officials, approximately 129 passengers were aboard the vessel, along with crew members.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that everyone aboard had been accounted for. Thirty-two people were taken to hospitals, but none were reported to be in critical condition. No deaths were reported.
Cruise Ship Capsizes as Passengers Enter the River
Video footage from the scene shows the much larger tanker striking the side of the American Heritage, causing the riverboat to tilt sharply before overturning.
Passengers wearing life jackets were seen in the Mississippi River as emergency crews and nearby vessels rushed to help.
The collision partially submerged the riverboat and triggered a large emergency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police, New Orleans firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel.
Rescued passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for medical assessment and assistance.
American Cruise Lines confirmed the collision and said it was cooperating with federal and local authorities.
The company’s immediate priority was the safety of its passengers and crew.
Questions About the Tanker’s Navigation
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Reports indicated that the tanker may have experienced a steering problem before striking the docked vessel, but authorities had not established the precise cause.
A recording circulating on social media has been described as leaked audio involving communications from the tanker’s captain. However, the recording’s authenticity and the identities of the speakers have not been independently verified.
Investigators will need to examine the tanker’s navigation systems, communications and operating conditions to determine what happened.
The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily restricted river traffic near the collision site while emergency crews conducted rescue operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also expected to investigate the accident.
A Major Disaster Avoided
Despite the severe damage to the riverboat and the number of people who entered the water, authorities reported that everyone had survived.
The rescue involved first responders, nearby vessel operators and other personnel who helped passengers escape the sinking ship.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry traveled to New Orleans following the collision and praised the emergency response.
The accident is expected to raise questions about maritime traffic safety along one of the country’s most heavily used commercial waterways.
The Mississippi River near New Orleans carries large cargo ships, tankers, tugboats and passenger vessels, making safe navigation and communication essential.
For investigators, the central questions now concern why the Atlantic Asphalt struck a stationary passenger vessel and whether the collision could have been prevented.
Sources: Associated Press; Reuters; Port of New Orleans; NBC News; CNN; American Cruise Lines; New Orleans Mayor’s Office; U.S. Coast Guard.
By NJ RADAR Team