Federal, state and local agencies responded to a boat collision on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, November 13.
An oil tanker struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, prompting a massive search and rescue response.
Latest updates:
- All passengers aboard the American Heritage have been accounted for, officials said.
- Only six passengers remain hospitalized.
- The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans around 12:30 p.m. The cause has not been confirmed.
- The Port of New Orleans filed a federal lawsuit against the tanker.
- The tanker Atlantic Asphalt has been towed, but removing the American Heritage could take weeks.
- The NTSB is investigating the incident and says the investigation is in its early stages. She is currently interested in the people and vessels involved, as well as the environment.
In what is being called a “miracle on the Mississippi,” all passengers aboard the American Heritage cruise ship struck in New Orleans have been accounted for.
VIDEO: New Orleans mayor says everything is settled after collision
Here’s what we know as emergency responders work to determine how to remove the boat.
What happened
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Cruise Lines vessel around 12:30 p.m. near 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, according to Port NOLA. The cruise ship had docked about two hours earlier and passengers were beginning to disembark.
VIDEO: Watch the moment an oil tanker hit a cruise ship docked in New Orleans
Approximately 191 passengers, as well as crew members, were on board the American Heritage at the time of the collision.
The accident occurred near the Crescent City Connection on the New Orleans side of the River.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene to conduct rescue and response operations.
VIDEO: Watch people rescued from freezing Mississippi River
Passengers were brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, for triage and assistance, according to port officials.
The accident occurred near the Crescent City Connection on the New Orleans side.
NTSB investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board held a news conference Saturday to provide information on the investigation.
Video: National Transportation Safety Board opens investigation into cruise ship collision
The NTSB says this investigation is in its early stages and is currently examining the people and vessels involved, as well as the environment.
According to the NTSB, it has already recovered the voyage data recorder and examined the capsized cruise ship.
She also began arranging interviews. The NTSB will next examine the tanker that collided with the cruise ship.
The NTSB is also asking anyone with video of the collision that could assist in its investigation to send the videos to Witness@NTSB.gov.
Investigators estimate they will be on scene for seven days and will likely take 18 to 24 months to complete the full investigation.
The NTSB will hold a second news conference Sunday to provide more information about its investigation.
Port of New Orleans files lawsuit
The Port of New Orleans filed a federal complaint and obtained an arrest warrant for the tanker after it collided with the river cruise ship Friday.
Video: GTF: Experts explain what it means to stop a ship following a lawsuit at the Port of New Orleans
Court records show the New Orleans Board of Port Commissioners filed a lawsuit against Atlantic Asphalt, Nave Shipping and Thome Ship Management.
The federal filing shows a $1 million demand in the maritime property damage case.
Court records also show the port requested an arrest warrant for the tanker, which a federal judge granted. The warrant was then issued.
Experts explained that a ship arrest is a temporary measure to freeze a ship in port, thereby providing financial security to an unpaid creditor or claimant.
Plaintiffs can seek arrest for issues such as unpaid crew wages, cargo damage, or collision damage.
The vessel remains detained until the owner provides adequate financial security, such as a bank guarantee or cash deposit.
“Typically what happens is that once the vessel is seized, the owner goes to court and posts a bond in place of the vessel. Then the vessel can continue on its way, while the bond essentially makes up the remainder that could be used to satisfy any judgment against the vessel,” the experts said.
Lawyers said this was the start of the lawsuit, which could take years to resolve.
River traffic:
A safety zone is currently in effect on the Mississippi River from Mile Marker 95.5 to Mile Marker 96.5, extending 500 feet outward.
One-way maritime traffic is also in effect in this area. All deep-draft vessels and tugboats with 10 or more barges must pass through the safety zone using one-way traffic.
All vessels must coordinate with the Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River before passing through the area and proceed at their slowest safe speed. Mariners are urged to follow all U.S. Coast Guard and Vessel Traffic Service safety requirements and instructions.
Passenger injuries and assistance
The Riverfront Hilton helped many passengers from the American Heritage cruise ship after it was hit by a cargo ship and began sinking Friday, housing some people who were not sent to the hospital.
Video: Riverfront Hilton shelters cruise ship passengers after boat accident
Hotel general manager David Piscola said his staff jumped into action when they saw the cruise ship sinking Friday afternoon, bringing food to first responders and preparing rooms for passengers who needed a place to stay.
Piscola said his team provided pillows, blankets, towels, phone chargers, toiletries and even clothing from hurricane supply kits kept on hand for staff. Other local organizations donated additional food and clothing to help survivors.
“They were incredibly in good spirits after what they went through,” Piscola said of the crash victims. “I can’t express how joyful they were, frankly. I guess it was the joy of being alive, but just the joy of having people who took care of them. They were wonderful people.”
Many passengers who stayed at the hotel have since left to try to return home.
VIDEO: Live look outside University Medical Center amid massive response to cruise ship collision:
LCMC Health said it treated 32 injured passengers and only eight remained in the hospital. The passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans administration building for screening and assistance, according to port officials.
LCMC Health released the following statement regarding the treatment of patients involved in the cruise line collision:
“University Medical Center New Orleans and other LCMC Health hospitals received approximately two dozen patients following the reported maritime incident. Our medical teams are currently evaluating patients and providing appropriate care while coordinating with emergency responders. As this situation remains active, we will provide additional information as appropriate.”
The American Red Cross released a statement regarding the collision with the cruise line:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the collision between an oil tanker and a cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans. We think of the passengers, crew members and families who are experiencing this scary and uncertain time.
“American Red Cross Louisiana volunteers are on the ground supporting cruise passengers and staff affected by this incident. Working alongside first responders and community partners, we provide water, snacks, blankets and emotional support. As the situation evolves, we will continue to work closely with our emergency service partners.
“If you are unable to reach a loved one who may have been affected, please know that help is available. The American Red Cross may be able to help reunite families in certain circumstances. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for assistance.”
American Cruise Lines issues statement
“We are proud of our crew and grateful to the first responders following yesterday’s incident on the Mississippi River. The quick actions of Captain Leonard Stewart and our crew enabled a rapid evacuation of the vessel after the American Heritage was struck by a large oil tanker while docked at the Port of New Orleans. Captain Stewart remained on deck as the vessel capsized, calling for help and keeping the vessel alongside the dock as long as possible.
“We appreciate the support of Mayor Moreno and Governor Landry and are working closely with their offices. We are grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department, and we will continue to work in partnership on the investigation and rescue efforts.
Related links
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