A tanker collided with a river cruise ship in New Orleans, injuring 32 passengers. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the incident.
A tanker navigating on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, USA, collided with a passenger ship docked at the port. As a result of the impact, the passenger ship partially sank, and 32 individuals were taken to the hospital. There were no fatalities in the accident, and the passengers who fell into the river were rescued.
A major maritime accident occurred at the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana on Friday, November 13. The tanker named Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage river cruise ship, owned by American Cruise Lines, which was moored along the banks of the Mississippi River.
The accident occurred around 12:30 local time, during which the ship began taking on water while passengers were being evacuated. The ship quickly tilted and partially submerged, causing many passengers to fall into the river.
There were 129 passengers on board.
According to a statement from the New Orleans Port Authority, there were 129 passengers and crew members aboard the American Heritage at the time of the accident.
Following the collision, a large-scale rescue operation was initiated in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard, port police, fire crews, and nearby boats participated in the rescue efforts.
Passengers waiting for help in the river with life jackets were pulled from the water by rescue boats and surrounding vessels.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno stated that everyone on the ship has been accounted for and that there were no fatalities in the accident.
32 individuals taken to the hospital.
After the rescue operation, it was reported that 32 passengers were transported to hospitals due to various injuries.
Mayor Moreno indicated that none of the individuals taken to the hospital were in critical condition.
Authorities emphasized that the rapid response of the rescue teams and the assistance of nearby vessels played a significant role in the incident occurring without any loss of life.
Suspected steering failure on the tanker.
Initial assessments regarding the cause of the accident suggest that the Atlantic Asphalt tanker may have lost control.
New Orleans Port Police Chief Melanie Montroll stated that there may have been an issue with the tanker’s steering system, but the exact cause has not yet been determined.
While the U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also assigned a team of experts to investigate the cause of the accident.
Mississippi River closed to ship traffic.
Following the accident, the U.S. Coast Guard closed the section of the Mississippi River between mile markers 93 and 96 near the Port of New Orleans to ship traffic.
Efforts have begun to ensure the safety of the damaged vessels in the area and to reopen river traffic.
The American Heritage, built in 2015 and capable of carrying 150 passengers, was conducting cruise operations on the Mississippi River.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker involved in the accident operates as a commercial vessel used for transporting asphalt and bitumen.
Authorities stated that the exact cause of the accident will be announced after the completion of technical investigations.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
