The incident happened at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13. The tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage, causing the passenger boat to roll onto its side and partially submerge. Approximately 129 passengers and crew members were aboard.
Coast Guard crews deployed boats, cutters and helicopters to assist with rescue operations. Local firefighters, harbor police and nearby vessels also helped bring people out of the water.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for. Thirty-two people were transported to hospitals with injuries that officials described as non-critical. No fatalities were reported.
The Coast Guard temporarily closed a roughly three-mile stretch of the Mississippi River to vessel traffic while emergency crews responded and assessed the situation.
Investigators are examining what caused the tanker to strike the docked cruise vessel. Initial comments from the Coast Guard commander indicated that a possible steering problem may have contributed, but the precise cause has not been established.
The National Transportation Safety Board also announced an investigation into the collision.
The incident has drawn attention to maritime safety and the importance of coordinated emergency response along one of America’s busiest commercial waterways.