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New Orleans port sues owners of tanker involved in Mississippi crash
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- New Orleans port officials filed a lawsuit seeking at least $1 million in damages from the owner and operator of the tanker Atlantic Asphalt, which crashed into the docked American Heritage river cruise paddleboat on the Mississippi River.
- The collision left the American Heritage partially submerged with nearly 200 people on board; all survived, with 32 hospitalized but none critically injured, prompting Mayor Helena Moreno to call it "the miracle on the Mississippi."
- The lawsuit alleges negligence by Atlantic Asphalt, Nave Shipping SA, and Thome Ship Management, and a federal judge approved the seizure and sale of the tanker to cover damages and cleanup costs.
- Efforts are underway to fully reopen the river and safely remove hazardous materials, including an estimated 160,000 gallons of fuel on the American Heritage, with ongoing restrictions on Mississippi River boat traffic.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, having recovered the tanker's voyage data recorder, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days and a final report in 18 to 24 months.
