Tanker strikes river cruise ship at New Orleans port
A tanker, Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Heritage, a river cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, while it was docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on 13 Nov. The vessel was partly submerged and was reported to have capsized and come to rest listing on its side in shallow water. Reports put the number of people aboard between 129 and about 130. Rescue teams pulled people from the water, with counts ranging from at least 12 to 15 civilians and two firefighters. Local officials said none of those hospitalized had critical injuries. The US Coast Guard closed river traffic near the collision, and it is not yet clear why the tanker hit the ship.
Key facts
- More than 30 people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported in the incident.
- Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said at least 12 people were pulled from the water.
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was in contact with local authorities and law enforcement.
- Firefighters, police, port officials, the Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel were at the scene.
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Why it matters
A collision on a busy commercial waterway closed river traffic and put dozens of passengers and rescuers in the water.
What changed
First published from The Guardian, Hindustan Times, South China Morning Post, SVT Nyheter and The Hindu