Tanker sinks paddleboat in Mississippi, all 197 survive collision
A tanker hit a cruise ship in New Orleans, capsizing it. All 197 people survived.
Reported by PerthNowAlso reported by The Nightly.
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A potential maritime disaster that could have killed hundreds ended without critical injuries, but raises questions about river traffic safety and vessel control.
In Australia. No direct Australian impact, though similar risks exist in Australian ports and shipping lanes where vessel collisions could pose major safety risks.
Key facts
- 197 passengers and crew
- People aboard
- Mississippi River, New Orleans
- Location
- $1 million
- Terminal damage
- 32 people, none critical
- Hospitalized
- An Atlantic Asphalt tanker slammed into the American Heritage cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday.
- The ship rolled onto its side.
- All 197 passengers and crew survived, though about 100 were thrown into the river during the capsize.
- Thirty-two people were taken to hospital, including two police officers pulled from the water, but none of the injuries were critical.
- Eight remained hospitalised on Saturday.
- The tanker appeared to lose steering control but the exact cause is not yet known.
- The Port of New Orleans sued the tanker's owner for terminal damage.
- Federal investigators are examining the voyage data recorder.
