A Mississippi River cruise ship capsized in New Orleans after being struck by a tanker, with everyone aboard rescued and 32 passengers taken to hospital, officials said.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked shortly after midday on Friday when it was hit by the 520ft tanker Atlantic Asphalt. The vessel began to roll and was half-submerged within about 15 minutes of the collision.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said no one was unaccounted for and described the outcome as “truly a miracle on the Mississippi”. None of those taken to hospital had critical injuries.
Two of the people receiving treatment were New Orleans Harbor Police officers who had entered the river to help passengers. Emergency crews also assisted people from the water and the damaged ship.
Footage showed passengers clinging to railings as the five-storey vessel tilted sharply. Others, some wearing life jackets, swam towards the dock while people on the exposed side of the ship attempted to climb to safety.
The Port of New Orleans said the American Heritage had been stationary for about two hours while passengers began disembarking when the tanker collided with it.
Initial official figures put the number of passengers at approximately 129, in addition to crew members. The cruise line had been completing an eight-day journey through destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Investigation launched into Mississippi River collision
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said an investigation would be launched into the crash, while praising first responders. President Donald Trump also thanked the US Coast Guard for its rescue work and said “incredibly, nobody was killed by this major collision”.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said concerns had initially centred on the age and mobility of some passengers, including people who used wheelchairs or walking frames.
“So when you see the boat list that quickly, you really fear the worst because of the ability of those people to get off the boat,” he said.
Nungesser said the ship had only just left New Orleans and was due to travel to Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg and St Francisville before returning to the city. His office was working to secure 85 hotel rooms for passengers affected by the collision.
The Atlantic Asphalt carries asphalt and bitumen and was bound for New Orleans, according to information cited in the initial reports. It was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
American Cruise Lines said guests and crew had been evacuated and that it was co-operating with the US Coast Guard and local authorities.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities,” the company said. “Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved.”
The river’s water temperature was reported to be 66F, meaning mild hypothermia could not be ruled out. Ferry services across the Mississippi were temporarily suspended after the collision.
The ship narrowly avoided striking a nearby bridge which carries about 160,000 vehicles a day, Mayor Moreno said.
