Tanker hits cruise ship in New Orleans, 32 treated
River traffic near the Mississippi site was shut down as investigators focused on a possible steering-system failure on the tanker.
The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the cruise ship American Heritage, which was docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, on Friday (13/11), causing the cruise ship to capsize and sink. A total of 32 passengers were taken to hospital, but none suffered critical injuries. New Orleans Deputy Mayor Helena Moreno said about 180 to 190 passengers and crew were on board when the incident occurred. Another 87 passengers had disembarked before the ship overturned, according to Port Police Chief Melanie Montroll. Everyone on board was found safe after port officers, firefighters and local residents helped carry out the evacuation. The US Coast Guard shut down river traffic around the site. Captain Melanie Burnham said the tanker appeared to have suffered a steering-system failure, although the exact cause remains under investigation.