Cruise Ship Capsizes on Mississippi River After Collision

Emergency services in New Orleans rescued approximately 130 passengers and crew members on Friday after the river cruise ship American Heritage capsized in the Mississippi River following a collision with a cargo vessel. Thirty-two people were taken to local hospitals with non-critical injuries, while authorities confirmed that no individuals remain unaccounted for.

The collision occurred at approximately 13:30 EST when the cargo vessel Atlantic Asphalt collided with the paddlewheeler. According to US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham, initial indications suggest a loss of steering contributed to the incident. Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing, and maritime traffic on the river was temporarily suspended to allow for emergency operations.

The American Heritage took on water and began listing before eventually tipping onto its side near the dock. Port of New Orleans Chief Melanie Montroll stated that initial emergency calls were received as people on the scene attempted to assist passengers escaping the vessel. Local emergency units, police, and tugboat operators joined the effort alongside federal responders. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno commended the first responders, stating that rescue crews entered the water to pull people to safety and confirming that all manifest personnel were located.

The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was reaching the end of an eight-day tour along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi when the accident occurred. Built in 2015, the four-deck vessel has a capacity for 150 passengers and includes a fitness centre, three guest lounges, and a glass-enclosed restaurant. Witness Jamie Holford reported seeing the cruise ship strike the dock while passengers and crew attempted to evacuate the tipping boat.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry pledged a full investigation into the crash while noting that commercial vessels have safely navigated the Mississippi River for decades. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin confirmed that the US Coast Guard provided support to local emergency teams throughout the rescue effort. Operations at the site concluded after officials verified the headcount against the ship's passenger manifest.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com