'Steering casualty' preceded New Orleans cruise ship collision, says NTSB
Also reported by PBS NewsHour
Summary
The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the docked American Heritage riverboat in New Orleans after a steering problem left the tanker’s rudder pointed to starboard, according to preliminary findings. The collision sent 32 people to hospital with non-critical injuries; no one was unaccounted for.Key Facts
- The Atlantic Asphalt was traveling upriver on the Mississippi River before the collision.
- The tanker’s rudder remained in a starboard position, and the vessel veered toward the river’s east bank.
- Investigators have not determined what caused the steering failure.
- The tanker’s warning system sounded and crew issued anchor and emergency handling commands minutes before the collision.
- About 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard the American Heritage.
- The riverboat took on water, listed, and tipped onto its side as passengers evacuated.
- Rescuers helped passengers, and officials temporarily shut down Mississippi River traffic.
- The NTSB expects to issue a preliminary report within 30 days.
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