New Orleans port sues tanker owner over cruise ship collision

The port’s federal lawsuit, filed on Friday, names the Atlantic Asphalt, its owner Nave Shipping SA and its manager Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd. It alleges that negligence by the tanker and the companies caused the collision and that they failed to use all available means to avoid it, according to CBS News, which reviewed the complaint.

The port estimates that physical damage to its Thalia Street Terminal will exceed $1 million. It is also seeking compensation for cleanup, inspections, repairs and other expenses while the full extent of the damage is assessed.

The lawsuit asks for the tanker to be seized and sold to pay for the damage. Local broadcaster WVUE reported that a judge had issued a warrant directing federal marshals to seize and hold the vessel. The order is not a ruling on liability.

The Atlantic Asphalt struck the docked American Heritage on the Mississippi River at about 12.30pm local time on Friday, leaving the riverboat on its side and partially submerged. All passengers and crew on both vessels survived the collision and rescue.

Authorities said 32 people, including two police officers, were taken to hospital. Eight remained in hospital on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.

US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said the tanker appeared to have lost steering, but the exact cause remained unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board was sending investigators to New Orleans.

Nave Shipping and Thome Ship Management did not immediately respond to CBS News’s requests for comment on the lawsuit. In a statement about the collision, OSM Thome said it was cooperating with local authorities and that the tanker’s crew were safe and accounted for.