NTSB provides second update on Mississippi riverboat accident

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The National Transportation Safety Board has provided its second update on Sunday (Nov. 15) on its investigation of the Nov. 13 maritime accident on the Mississippi River.

On Friday afternoon, the tanker ship Atlantic Asphalt appeared to lose control as it passed beneath the Crescent City Connection bridge. It veered to the right, smashing into the docked riverboat cruise ship American Heritage, which capsized.

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Officials have said the American Heritage had 191 passengers and crew on board at the time, and all were able to safely evacuate the sinking vessel.

As of Sunday, only six of the 32 survivors hospitalized after the accident had not yet been discharged. Two were in serious but stable condition, New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno said.

Currently, 50 hotel rooms remain occupied by passengers at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

City of New Orleans personnel are coordinating directly with American Cruise Lines (owner of the American Heritage) to ensure passengers and crew members can safely return home, whether by personal vehicle, airplane or Amtrak train.

On Sunday afternoon, American Cruise Lines issued its first public statement on the incident:

“We are proud of our crew and grateful for the first responders following yesterday’s incident on the Mississippi River,” the company said in the statement. “The fast actions of Captain Leonard Stewart and our crew allowed for a rapid evacuation of the vessel after the American Heritage was struck by a large tanker while docked at the Port of New Orleans. Captain Stewart remained on the bridge as the vessel capsized, calling for aid and keeping the ship alongside the dock for as long as possible.

“We appreciate the support from Mayor Moreno and Governor Landry and are working closely with their offices. We are grateful to the US Coast Guard, the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department, and will continue working in partnership through the investigation and salvage effort.”

As of 7 p.m. Saturday night, family assistance inquiries transitioned from the city’s 311 system to the American Cruise Lines hotline. Individuals seeking assistance or information regarding affected passengers and crew members should now contact American Cruise Lines directly at (203) 487-9252.

The US Coast Guard continues to lead river operations. A safety zone is currently in effect on the Mississippi River from Mile Marker 95.5 to Mile Marker 96.5, extending 500 feet outward.

One-way vessel traffic also is in effect within this area. All deep-draft vessels and towing vessels with 10 or more barges must transit the safety zone using one-way traffic. All vessels must coordinate with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River before transiting the area and proceeding at their slowest safe speed.

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