- The American Cruise Lines paddle wheeler American Heritage capsized after being struck by the tanker Atlantic Asphalt
- All passengers and crew have been accounted for
- 32 people were taken to hospital with no critical injuries
- The tanker lost control before the collision
- The US Coast Guard has closed part of the Mississippi River
The American Cruise Lines paddle wheeler American Heritage has capsized in the Mississippi River after being struck by the tanker Atlantic Asphalt at the Port of New Orleans. All passengers and crew were accounted for after harbour personnel, firefighters and onlookers pulled fallen passengers to safety. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno described the outcome as a miracle on the Mississippi.
The tanker lost control before it hit the docked cruise vessel. About 87 passengers disembarked before the vessel capsized. The ship began to sink and eventually toppled over, dumping people into the river. The US Coast Guard sent small boats, cutters and helicopters to the search and rescue operation.
Thirty-two people were taken to local hospitals with none in critical condition. About 180 to 190 passengers and crew members were aboard the American Heritage at the time of the incident. The Coast Guard closed river traffic in the vicinity of the collision.
Helena Moreno shared “At this moment, the information that we have, we have zero people unaccounted for, which truly is a miracle on the Mississippi.”
