New Orleans officials confirmed Friday’s dramatic collision on the Mississippi River left roughly 100 people in the water, but thanks to swift action by emergency crews, every passenger and crew member was rescued.
Collision and immediate response
At about 12:30 p.m. local time, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the docked cruise ship American Heritage near the Port of New Orleans. The cruise vessel, which had been tied up for about two hours, began taking on water and capsized within 30 to 45 minutes, according to Harbor Police Chief Melanie Montro.
Mayor Helena Moreno said the ship carried 191 passengers and crew. Responders evacuated more than 80 people before the vessel overturned, while roughly 100 people entered the river and were pulled to safety. Life jackets and the rapid response of nearby vessels were credited with preventing any fatalities.
Medical outcomes
All passengers survived the incident. Eight individuals remained hospitalized Saturday; two were listed in serious condition and six were stable. The ship’s captain, who was injured, stayed aboard until everyone was accounted for, then became the last person to leave the vessel.
Coast Guard salvage plan
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham outlined a multi‑week salvage effort. Crews will first remove about 16,000 gallons of fuel from the American Heritage to mitigate environmental risk. Divers are slated to assess the hull, while pollution‑response teams continue to monitor the river for any leaks.
Burnham noted no fuel or hazardous material has been observed in the river so far, but warned that the operation could release contaminants if not handled carefully. “As the mayor said, we’re talking weeks, not days. We’ll do this safely and make sure it’s done right,” she said.
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived Saturday to begin its investigation, which was delayed by travel disruptions. Officials are examining a possible steering issue with the tanker, though the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Authorities have established a 500‑foot safety zone around the wreck, and the Mississippi River has been partially reopened to two‑way traffic.
Support for displaced travelers
American Cruise Lines, the operator of the American Heritage, is coordinating with local officials to assist passengers who were displaced by the incident. The company is providing accommodations and transportation while the investigation and recovery continue.
The incident underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response and the dedication of New Orleans’ public‑safety agencies in protecting both residents and visitors.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
