New Orleans – A major maritime accident unfolded on Friday when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the American Heritage riverboat in the Port of New Orleans. The impact caused the passenger vessel to flip and partially sink, prompting an immediate rescue operation on the Mississippi River.
Rescue effort and injuries
Mayor Helena Moreno described the response as an “all hands on deck” effort. First‑responders rescued dozens of passengers, many of whom were wearing life jackets, and transported them to safety. Thirty‑two passengers required hospitalization; none of the injuries were deemed critical, though one passenger’s husband suffered a head injury.
“When that occurred, we started to have people in the water,” Moreno said, calling the successful accounting of all passengers “a miracle on the Mississippi.” The river was temporarily closed for a three‑mile stretch while authorities assessed the scene and worked to restore traffic.
Details of the collision
According to officials, the tanker lost control and struck the riverboat at approximately 12:30 p.m. while the vessel was docked near the French Quarter. The American Heritage had been preparing for a seven‑day cruise down the Mississippi when the collision occurred. Passengers were in the process of disembarking when the impact caused the boat to flip over.
Witness Rhonda Akers recounted having to crawl over the railing to escape the water after the vessel hit a second time. “After the initial crash, it hit us again and we flipped over and I had to crawl over the railing to save myself,” she told NBC News.
Investigation underway
The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident. Officials noted that the response was delayed due to a nationwide ground stop at airports, which impacted the arrival of transportation investigators.
Atlantic Asphalt, the tanker involved, is registered in the Marshall Islands and is owned by Chinese and Liberian interests, according to public records. The cause of the tanker’s loss of control remains under investigation.
Community impact
The accident has raised concerns among local residents and businesses that rely on the river for commerce and tourism. While the waterway is a vital economic artery for New Orleans, officials are working quickly to reopen it to minimize disruption.
Mayor Moreno emphasized the importance of safety and coordination among federal, state, and local agencies in preventing future incidents. “We will continue to work with the Coast Guard and other partners to ensure the safety of our waterways,” she said.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
