Tanker Collides with Cruise Ship in New Orleans; 32 Taken to Hospitals

A large tanker has collided with a passenger cruise ship moored on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, United States. The impact caused the cruise ship to lose balance, list to one side and partially sink.

All passengers and crew members aboard the vessel were rescued following the accident. However, 32 people were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment. None of them suffered serious injuries, according to the city’s mayor.

The Port of New Orleans said the collision occurred at around 12:30 pm local time on Friday, November 13, when a tanker named Atlantic Asphalt struck a cruise ship named American Heritage.

There were 129 passengers aboard the cruise ship at the time, along with its crew members. Rescue operations began immediately after the collision to ensure everyone's safety.

At a press conference, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said authorities had accounted for all passengers and crew members aboard the cruise ship. Of them, 32 were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Initial reports indicated that none had sustained serious injuries.

Describing the incident, the mayor said the tanker lost control and struck the cruise ship. At the time, the cruise ship was moored at the river dock, and passengers were preparing to disembark. The impact caused the vessel to begin taking on water before it eventually tilted to one side and capsized. Several passengers fell into the river.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), video footage of the accident showed the stark difference in size between the massive tanker and the cruise ship. The collision damaged the vessel’s metal structure and shattered several glass sections.

More than 12 passengers wearing life jackets were rescued from the river and transferred to nearby vessels. The water temperature in the Mississippi River was around 19 degrees Celsius at the time. During the rescue operation, several passengers were seen holding on to the cruise ship’s railing.

Eyewitness Jamie Holford told a local television station that the situation deteriorated rapidly after the tanker struck the cruise ship. The vessel capsized within just 15 minutes, Holford said.

Police from the port, firefighters, the Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel joined the rescue operation shortly after the accident was reported. Alongside rescuing passengers from the river, emergency teams arranged prompt medical care for the injured.