Tanker Rams Passenger Vessel on Mississippi River Near New Orleans
A commercial tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, collided with the docked passenger vessel American Heritage on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, causing it to tip onto its side. The mayor of New Orleans confirmed that all passengers have been accounted for.
A collision between two vessels occurred on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, in the U.S. state of Louisiana, on 14 November. The commercial tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the passenger vessel American Heritage, which was moored at a dock. The impact made the passenger ship list sharply and tip onto its side, according to U.S. broadcaster Fox News.
After the crash, the vessel began to fill rapidly with water. Emergency services arrived at the scene immediately. Other ships in the vicinity also came to help, and their crews joined the effort to rescue people.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that all passengers on board have been accounted for following the collision. The source does not say how many people were aboard, whether anyone was injured, or what caused the crash.
Video footage published by media shows a large paddlewheel vessel tilting sharply as water gradually floods the ship. American media describe the incident as a developing story, so further details about the course and consequences of the accident may emerge.
The cause of the collision and the extent of the damage to the vessels are not yet known.
