Thirty-two people were hospitalized after the American Cruise Lines riverboat American Heritage capsized in the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans on Friday. Officials said everyone aboard was accounted for, and none of those hospitalized had critical injuries. The group included 30 people from the ship and two first responders.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m., while the vessel was docked and passengers were disembarking. The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the riverboat after reportedly losing control. Passengers had begun leaving the ship when it started to sink and eventually overturned, putting people into the water.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said no one was missing, calling the outcome “a miracle on the Mississippi.” Port NOLA Harbor Police entered the water to rescue people, while firefighters used ladders to help them climb onto the dock. Other vessels nearby also stopped to assist.
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed small boats, cutters and helicopters for the search-and-rescue response. Captain Melanie Burnham, commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, praised the coordination among agencies. She said the Coast Guard’s next priority would be reopening the river, which was closed after the collision.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry traveled to New Orleans and said President Donald Trump had offered federal support. Landry and Moreno met with passengers, and the governor said officials would arrange accommodation and help them reunite with loved ones.
The collision is under investigation. Landry said authorities would determine what happened and consider any changes needed to improve safety on the waterways.
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