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100 pulled from water after tanker capsizes New Orleans riverboat
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- A large tanker struck the American Heritage riverboat docked near the French Quarter in New Orleans, capsizing the vessel with 191 passengers and crew aboard; approximately 100 people were rescued from the Mississippi River with no fatalities reported.
- Eight individuals remained hospitalized as of Saturday, including two in serious condition, while others were stable; a total of 32 people were taken to hospitals following the incident.
- Initial reports suggest the tanker experienced a steering problem leading to the collision, which is currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
- Rescue efforts involved harbor police, commercial, and private vessels, with officers evacuating more than 80 people before the riverboat capsized; the captain was injured but ensured all passengers and crew were safe before seeking treatment.
- The American Heritage was preparing for a seven-day cruise to Mississippi when the accident occurred, and survivors described the harrowing experience of escaping the capsized boat, with some sustaining injuries.
