A river cruise boat carrying 197 people capsized in the Mississippi River in New Orleans after colliding with a tanker, triggering a major emergency rescue operation. All those on board were accounted for, while 32 people were taken to hospital with non-critical injuries.
The incident occurred as passengers aboard the American Heritage, a paddle-wheeler riverboat, were preparing to disembark in the city. A sharp metallic screech was heard when the tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, collided with the cruise vessel.
As passengers began disembarking, the riverboat started taking on water before tipping over and capsizing. Some passengers desperately clung to the railings, while others fell into the river, reports CNN.
Emergency responders, including New Orleans firefighters, swiftly launched a rescue operation, deploying ladders over the dock to evacuate passengers. Other vessels on the Mississippi River also helped retrieve people from the water.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed at a news conference on Friday evening that all 197 people on board had been accounted for. Authorities said 32 people were taken to local hospitals with non-critical injuries, while others received treatment for minor bumps and bruises at the port facility.
The Port of New Orleans said two harbour police officers who had been hospitalised were released on Friday evening. Video footage of the collision captured the sound of grinding metal and showed at least a dozen passengers wearing life jackets being rescued from the water and transferred to another vessel.
Built in 2015, the American Heritage is operated by American Cruise Lines. Although it has a guest capacity of 150, it regularly features on the company’s US river itineraries that include stops in New Orleans. American Cruise Lines confirmed the vessel’s involvement and said it was working with local authorities during the evacuation. CNN is seeking to establish the ownership of the Atlantic Asphalt.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed that neither vessel struck the nearby Crescent City Connection bridge.
US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said the tanker, which was being operated by a river pilot at the time of the collision, appeared to have lost control and steering capabilities. However, the exact cause of the incident remains unknown.
The Coast Guard immediately shut down the river following the collision and is working to restore maritime traffic. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, with investigators scheduled to arrive at the scene on Saturday morning.
However, US Representative Steve Scalise noted that a nationwide aviation ground stop could affect the investigators’ travel arrangements. Governor Landry said an active investigation was under way to examine the cause of the incident and ensure the safety of the river.
Passengers who left their personal belongings behind on the sinking vessel have been accommodated in local hotels. Municipal authorities are working with partners, including the American Red Cross, to arrange accommodation, transportation and essential prescription medications.
Red Cross volunteers at the scene provided blankets, water and emotional support to those affected.
“We are working alongside first responders and community partners to help identify needs and provide comfort and care during this difficult time. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident,” the organisation said.
Praising the coordinated response by various agencies under challenging river conditions, Governor Landry described the rescue as a “literal miracle on the Mississippi”, noting that the river was “not some quiet pond”.
US President Donald Trump also praised the emergency personnel in a social media post, writing: “All of Law Enforcement and First Responders were fantastic!”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, speaking during a briefing on the Federal Aviation Administration ground stop on Friday, said: “By the grace of God, we have not lost one soul.”
