Tanker Hits Riverboat in New Orleans; All Passengers Rescued
The tanker Atlantic Asphalt crashed into the American Heritage paddlewheel riverboat while it was docked on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans around 12:30 p.m. Friday. The collision left the boat on its side and largely submerged. The port said about 129 passengers and crew members were aboard.
New Orleans firefighters responded immediately and used ladders over the dock to try to reach people in the water. The New Orleans Police Department, Port NOLA Harbor Police and the Coast Guard also took part in the rescue. University Medical Center New Orleans counted 32 people who arrived at the hospital. Two harbor police officers who had been hospitalized were released Friday evening. Officials later said all passengers were accounted for. No children were involved, authorities said.
Mayor Helena Moreno said the tanker lost control and crashed into the ship. Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham said officials do not know the exact reason the tanker lost steering capability, and Gov. Jeff Landry said there is an active investigation.
The Coast Guard closed the river to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96. Burnham said the Coast Guard is working to reopen it.
American Cruise Lines said guests and crew were evacuated and that it is coordinating with the Coast Guard and local authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said his department was throwing every asset it has into the rescue effort.
This report draws on CBS News, ABC News, CNN, Reuters and WGNO.