New Orleans port sues tanker owners over cruise ship collision for $1m
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- The Port of New Orleans has filed a federal lawsuit against the owners and managers of the tanker M/V Atlantic Asphalt, claiming negligence caused the collision with the cruise ship American Heritage on the Mississippi River.
- The crash resulted in over 100 passengers being rescued, 32 hospitalized with non-critical injuries, and more than $1 million in damages, with the cruise ship partially submerged and on its side.
- The lawsuit seeks compensation for cleanup, inspections, repairs, and requests the seizure and sale of the tanker to cover costs, alleging the tanker’s operators failed to avoid the collision.
- The cause of the collision is under investigation, with initial reports indicating a possible loss of steering on the tanker; the crew of the Atlantic Asphalt are safe and cooperating with authorities.
- Nave Shipping SA, owner of the tanker and a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, along with Thome Ship Management, are named in the suit; both companies have been contacted for comment.
