Tanker Atlantic Asphalt hits docked riverboat in New Orleans, 32 hospitalized
The asphalt tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck a docked cruise riverboat on the Mississippi River on Friday. All 129 passengers survived while 32 were taken to hospital.
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An asphalt tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Friday, sending 32 passengers to local hospitals with non-critical injuries.
The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt hit the American Heritage as passengers were disembarking, causing the five-story riverboat to sink and flip onto its side.
Port of New Orleans officials confirmed that all 129 passengers and crew members aboard the vessel were accounted for, and no fatalities were reported following the crash.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno reported that two harbor police officers were also hospitalized in good condition after joining private volunteer vessels in rescuing passengers from the water.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham said investigators suspect a loss of steering caused the tanker to lose control, though the exact reason remains under investigation.
The Coast Guard closed vessel traffic on the river between mile markers 93 and 96, while the National Transportation Safety Board announced it will send an investigation team on Saturday.
What do these terms mean?
Tanker: A specialized merchant ship designed to transport bulk liquid or gas cargoes across maritime routes.
National Transportation Safety Board: An independent U.S. federal government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents.
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