All passengers rescued after cruise ship capsizes in New Orleans collision
The American Heritage vessel was struck by a tanker on the Mississippi River, leaving 32 people with non-critical injuries.
Approximately 130 people aboard the cruise ship American Heritage were rescued after it was struck by a tanker in the Mississippi River on Friday, according to reports from BBC News and the Times of India. The collision occurred around 13:30 EST when the cargo vessel Atlantic Asphalt hit the docked riverboat, causing it to tip onto its side and partially submerge.
The incident left 32 people from the vessel in hospital with non-critical injuries. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno stated that no one was unaccounted for, describing the successful rescue as a "miracle on the Mississippi."
Mayor Moreno credited first responders for the effort, saying they "literally jumped right in to help." Port of New Orleans Chief Melanie Montroll noted that calls regarding the collision arrived as passengers attempted to escape the boat while it took on water.
US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said there appears to be a "loss of steering" involved in the crash. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was finishing an eight-day cruise to destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi at the time of the accident. The vessel can carry up to 150 guests and was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands.