Tanker Hits Docked American Heritage Cruise Ship in New Orleans, Rescue Under Way

The update

A tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the docked river cruise ship American Heritage on the Mississippi River in New Orleans at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday. The American Cruise Lines ship, which had docked about two hours earlier to begin disembarkation, had about 129 passengers plus crew aboard. It listed onto its side and was partially submerged. Multiple people were rescued from the water, and officials did not immediately say whether anyone was injured or killed.

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Why it matters

The collision closed the Mississippi River to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assessed the scene. Firefighters, port and city police, the US Coast Guard and local emergency medical services joined the rescue, and people taken off the ship were brought into the Port of New Orleans administration building. American Cruise Lines said guests and crew were evacuated.

What to watch

Officials are expected to give more detail at a news conference, including any injuries, how many people were rescued and whether everyone aboard is accounted for. Investigators will also need to establish why the tanker struck a docked ship. A report that the tanker may have lost power has not been confirmed. The river closure’s duration and any damage or pollution will also become clearer.

Sources

• theguardian.com — confirms the collision time, ship, passenger count, rescues and river closure
• cbc.ca — confirms the tanker strike, 129 passengers, partial submersion and rescue under way

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