Tanker Collision Capsizes River Cruise Ship in New Orleans
The bitumen tanker Atlantic Asphalt has struck and capsized the river cruise ship American Heritage, which was docked on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. New Orleans is a major port on the lower Mississippi, about 160 km upriver from the Gulf of Mexico. The collision happened at about 12:30 pm local time on Friday, 13 November.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said the 17,764 dwt tanker lost control and hit the paddleboat, which is operated by American Cruise Lines. Some reports said the tanker appears to have lost its steering. About 129 passengers and the crew, roughly 180 people in all, were on board. The cruise ship was finishing an eight-day voyage on the Mississippi, and passengers were getting off when it began taking on water, listed heavily and rolled onto its side. Some people ended up in the river.
From the CrewMirror Blog
Police, fire crews and volunteers joined a large rescue effort. Everyone on board was accounted for and no deaths were reported, which the mayor described as a “miracle on the Mississippi”. Thirty-two people were taken to hospital, none with critical injuries.
The US National Transportation Safety Board is investigating together with the Coast Guard. American Cruise Lines said guests and crew were evacuated and that it is working with the authorities. Damage to the tanker has not been disclosed. It is the latest of several safety cases in the cruise sector this month, after a cruise crew member was rescued after hours overboard off California. More reports are in our cruise news section.
CrewMirror Takeaway
A sudden loss of steering in a narrow, busy river can turn into a collision within moments. Crews on river and coastal passenger vessels benefit from realistic emergency drills, including scenarios where an emergency strikes while passengers are boarding or leaving the ship.
