The Port of New Orleans is seeking more than $1 million in damages after an asphalt tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River. A federal judge has authorized the tanker’s seizure.
A lawsuit filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana names the tanker, Atlantic Asphalt, along with its owner, Nave Shipping SA, and its manager, Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd.
The port says the crash caused more than $1 million in physical damage to its Thalia Street Terminal, where the American Heritage was docked. It is also seeking compensation for cleanup and repairs, as well as possible business losses and lost revenue.
The complaint alleges that the tanker and the companies responsible for its operation were negligent and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the collision.
Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter approved the port’s emergency request on Friday, finding that the circumstances justified quickly detaining the vessel. A warrant was issued, though it was not clear whether the tanker had been seized. The port has also asked that the vessel potentially be sold to cover its claims, but no sale has been ordered.
The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. Friday near the Crescent City Connection bridge in New Orleans. The tanker appeared to lose steering control before striking the American Heritage, which capsized and partially sank.
Thirty-two people were taken to hospitals. No deaths or critical injuries were reported.
OSM Thome said Saturday that the tanker was stable at anchor and that it was cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
