A tanker struck a docked American Cruise Lines riverboat in New Orleans on Friday, November 13. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said everyone aboard was accounted for after rescuers helped passengers and crew from the vessel and the Mississippi River.
Moreno said 32 people were taken to hospitals and none had critical injuries, according to the Associated Press. The American Heritage, operated by Guilford-based American Cruise Lines, had been finishing a Mississippi River itinerary when it was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt.
Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham told reporters that the tanker appeared to lose steering, but the cause had yet to be determined. The National Transportation Safety Board said it would investigate.
Eight people remained hospitalized Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The Port of New Orleans filed a federal lawsuit alleging at least $1 million in damage to its terminal, and a judge issued a warrant allowing federal authorities to take custody of the tanker.
Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham said the tanker had been towed away, but removing the riverboat could take weeks. Crews first need to remove fuel from the riverboat, which remained on its side against the terminal.