New Orleans port sues Chinese-owned tanker in seizure attempt after cruise ship collision

The Port of New Orleans has filed a $1 million lawsuit to seize the Chinese-owned tanker Atlantic Asphalt after it collided with the docked river cruise ship American Heritage on Friday. No deaths were reported among the 197 passengers and crew, though 32 were taken to the hospital. The cause may involve a loss of steering.

The Port of New Orleans has filed a $1 million lawsuit seeking to seize a Chinese-owned tanker that collided with a docked river cruise ship on Friday. The tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Heritage cruise ship, causing over $1 million in damages to the dock. No deaths were reported among the 197 passengers and crew. Thirty-two people were taken to the hospital, but as of Saturday only eight remained, with no critical injuries. The US Coast Guard said the cause may involve a loss of steering. The lawsuit accuses the ship and operating companies of negligence. The tanker is owned by Nave Shipping SA, a Liberian-registered subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days.