New Orleans: A massive accident occurred when a tanker collided with a passenger cruise ship anchored on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, USA. On Friday (November 13) around 12.30 p.m., the paddlewheel cruise ship capsized to one side following a strong collision. Thirty-two people were injured in the incident. Authorities reported that approximately 130 people, including passengers and crew members, were rescued. The river cruise ship involved in the accident was the 'American Heritage', owned by American Cruise Lines. The accident happened roughly two hours after the ship had moored at the New Orleans port. While passengers were disembarking, the ship was struck by a tanker named 'Atlantic Asphalt'. The impact caused the cruise ship to lose control, take on water, and gradually capsize to one side.
The tanker, registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, is reportedly owned in association with Chinese and Liberian companies. Videos of the accident have circulated widely on social media. Footage shows the ship capsized alongside the dock and passengers wearing life jackets waiting in the river for rescue.
In a press conference following the accident, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that 32 people had been admitted to hospitals, none in serious condition, and no passengers were reported missing. She described the incident as a “Miracle on the Mississippi” for averting a major disaster. She credited timely intervention by officials from local, state, and federal agencies who promptly launched rescue operations for preventing further casualties.
The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. Initial suspicion points to either a malfunction or loss of control in the tanker’s steering, but this has not been confirmed. A detailed investigation is ongoing, the mayor added.
The collision occurred while passengers were disembarking, during which many fell into the water. Upon impact, the cruise ship began taking on water and capsized. Harbor Police, fire crews, and the Coast Guard immediately initiated joint rescue operations. Harbor Police boats went into the river to save passengers while firefighters lowered rafts from the dock to bring people ashore. Nearby vessels also participated in rescue efforts.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that a police drone that had been deployed for another emergency returned to the accident site and assisted in locating people trapped in the water. The Coast Guard deployed small boats, cutters, and helicopters for search and rescue operations. To facilitate the rescue, river traffic on approximately three miles of the Mississippi River was temporarily suspended.
Coast Guard Sector Commander and Port Captain Melanie Burnham said priority will be given to restoring river traffic once rescue operations are complete. Following the accident, the Regional Transit Authority’s ferry services crossing the river were temporarily suspended, and a riverside festival was canceled.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards came to New Orleans soon after learning about the accident to assess the situation, joining the mayor at the press conference. The governor said he had spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen. He added that President Donald Trump called him personally to ensure all necessary assistance would be provided to Louisiana. The governor affirmed that all details of the accident would be thoroughly examined and that appropriate measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Temporary accommodations and transportation have been arranged for the rescued passengers, who are being housed at local hotels. Procedures to assist those who lost personal belongings or medications during the accident are underway. Efforts to safely reunite passengers with their families are ongoing. The city administration is coordinating relief efforts in collaboration with organizations including the Red Cross and University Medical Center.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that all passengers and crew aboard the vessel were evacuated and that they are cooperating with the Coast Guard and local authorities. The vessel involved had recently completed a multi-day river cruise traveling from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Officials credit the prompt rescue response for preventing potential loss of life in what could have been a major tragedy. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tanker's loss of control are ongoing.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
