Tanker Collides with River Cruise Ship in New Orleans, 32 Injured
NEW ORLEANS, LA — A tanker vessel struck the American Heritage river cruise ship on the Mississippi River Friday, resulting in 32 injuries, including two police officers.
The 520-foot tanker Atlantic Asphalt crashed into the American Heritage at approximately 2:41 p.m. at the Port of New Orleans. Witnesses reported that the impact caused the ship to roll, sending passengers into the river, where water temperatures were approximately 66 degrees.
All 197 passengers and crew aboard the riverboat were accounted for, with emergency responders assisting in their retrieval. Thirty-two individuals were taken to local hospitals with non-critical injuries; as of Saturday, eight remained hospitalized.
Authorities said the cause of the collision is under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting a possible steering malfunction. No injuries were reported aboard the tanker.
Emergency personnel transported passengers to shore and directed them to a nearby terminal for medical assessments. The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has initiated legal action to take control of the tanker, citing at least $1 million in damages to the terminal. A federal judge has issued a warrant granting officials authority over the vessel temporarily.
For further updates, follow local news sources.