A chaotic scene unfolded on the Mississippi River Friday afternoon when a massive industrial tanker collided with a docked cruise ship, sending dozens of people plunging into the water. The American Heritage, a five story paddlewheeler, was largely submerged and resting on its side after being struck by the Atlantic Asphalt around 12:30 p.m. Passengers had begun disembarking just two hours prior when the tanker reportedly lost control and slammed into the vessel. One witness compared the sound of the impact to a war movie, describing the deafening noise of tons of steel crunching together before the cruise ship began to tip and flip.
Despite the violence of the crash, city officials are calling the outcome a miracle. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that all 129 passengers and crew members have been accounted for with no fatalities reported. While thirty two passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment, none of their injuries were classified as critical. The rescue effort was a massive joint operation involving harbor police, fire departments, and the U.S. Coast Guard, though many civilians in nearby private boats stepped in as volunteers to pull terrified passengers from the river.
Investigators are now focusing on why the Atlantic Asphalt veered off course. Captain Melanie Burnham of the U.S. Coast Guard suggested that a loss of steering may have played a primary role, although an official cause has not yet been determined. To ensure a thorough analysis, the National Transportation Safety Board is deploying a specialized team to investigate the wreckage starting Saturday morning. Meanwhile, authorities are working quickly to clear debris and reopen one of the nation’s most vital shipping lanes to traffic.
