Tanker collides with riverboat in New Orleans, rescues underway
It was not immediately known what caused the collision.
Kimberly Curth, a spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans, told USA TODAY that at about 12:30 p.m. local time, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise boat was docked at the port.
"Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders," the port said in a statement. "This remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed."
At the time of the incident, about 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the riverboat.
Cruise line: 'We are deeply concerned'
Natalie Neysa Alund
American Cruise Lines confirmed that its riverboat, which according to its website has a capacity for 150 people, was involved in a collision Friday afternoon.
"We are in close coordination with the US Coast Guard and local authorities," the company said. "Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available."
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Who owns the Atlantic Asphalt tanker?
Natalie Neysa Alund
According to the online live-shipping tracker Marine Traffic, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker is a Marshall Islands-flagged asphalt and bitumen vessel.
The tanker is more than 524 feet long and just over 77 feet wide, and specializes in carrying loads of asphalt and bitumen, a semi-solid substance often used for road construction and roofing.
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Louisiana governor headed to New Orleans
Natalie Neysa Alund
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, in a post on X, said his office was aware of the two-vessel collision on the Mississippi River.
“We are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement,” the governor said. “I am headed to New Orleans now.”
Where is the Port of New Orleans?
Natalie Neysa Alund
The Port of New Orleans sits along the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans.
The transportation hub serves as an embarkation point for cruise passengers. It is also the state's lone international container port.
What is American Cruise Lines?
Josh Rivera
American Cruise Lines is a family-owned company based in Guilford, Connecticut, specializing in river and coastal cruises within the United States. Its fleet includes modern riverboats, traditional paddle-wheelers and small coastal ships, with itineraries on the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers, among other waterways.
The company also sails in Alaska, New England and the Southeast. Its ships are built and registered in the U.S., according to the line.
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Coast Guard closes part of Mississippi River
Natalie Neysa Alund
Tasha Smith, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard Heartland District, told USA TODAY that the collision took place near mile marker 96 on the river.
“The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations,” Smith said.
Some passengers being triaged at port building
Natalie Neysa Alund
Officials said that some of the riverboat passengers were being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place for triage and assistance.
USA TODAY has reached out to Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Police Department for more information.
Riverboat had docked two hours before collision
Natalie Neysa Alund
Kimberly Curth, a spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans, told USA TODAY that the American Heritage had docked approximately two hours before the collision to begin passenger disembarkation.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel have responded to the scene and were conducting rescue efforts, officials said.
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