Port of New Orleans sues tanker operator for over $1 million after crash

Port officials in New Orleans have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking more than $1 million in damages from the owner, Nave Shipping SA, and the manager, Thome Ship Management, of the Atlantic Asphalt tanker that struck the American Heritage cruise ship on Friday. The collision, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. as passengers were disembarking at the Thalia Street terminal, caused the cruise ship to tip onto its side, injuring over 30 people and prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

The complaint alleges that the allision resulted from “negligence, gross negligence, fault or carelessness” of the tanker and its operators, and that the parties are “solidarily liable” for repair costs, cleanup, inspections and other expenses. The port estimates that repairs to the terminal will exceed $1 million, though the full extent of damage is still being assessed.

A federal judge, Wendy Vitter, approved the port’s request to seize the Atlantic Asphalt, allowing the vessel to be sold to help cover the damages. The seizure order was issued on Friday, and the tanker has since been towed to a separate location.

Mayor Helena Moreno said all 197 passengers were accounted for and no deaths or critical injuries were reported. She noted that the National Transportation Safety Board has deployed investigators to the site, although their arrival was delayed by a nationwide FAA ground stop.

Capt. Melanie Burnham, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s New Orleans sector, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that the Atlantic Asphalt appeared to have experienced a loss of steering before the crash. Burnham said the priority is the safe removal of approximately 16,000 gallons of fuel still aboard the American Heritage, and that the crash site will remain a restricted area for the foreseeable future.