Emergency responders rescued passengers and crew from the Mississippi River after the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the docked paddlewheel vessel American Heritage in New Orleans on Friday.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, had docked about two hours before the crash to begin disembarkation. Following the strike, the riverboat listed on its side, prompting tugboat crews and emergency personnel to pull people wearing life jackets from the water. Responders transferred evacuated individuals directly into the Port of New Orleans administration building.
First responders from the U.S. Coast Guard, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, Port NOLA Harbor Police, and volunteer vessels conducted the water rescues. In an official statement, an American Cruise Lines spokesperson said, "We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved."
Navigation Halted During Inquiries
The U.S. Coast Guard halted river traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 to facilitate response efforts. National Transportation Safety Board investigators launched a team to examine the collision, while Coast Guard officials noted the tanker appeared to experience an unexplained loss of steering.
