Oil tanker hits tourist boat – which sinks before cameras | Video

An oil tanker lost control and collided with a tourist boat on the Mississippi River near New Orleans. The boat sank and capsized, over 30 were injured, but all passengers and crew were rescued safely. The investigation is examining a possible steering system malfunction in the tanker.

A serious maritime accident occurred over the weekend on the Mississippi River near the port of New Orleans, when an oil tanker lost control and violently collided with a tourist boat moored there carrying nearly 200 passengers. As a result of the severe impact, the boat began to sink and eventually capsized on its side. More than 30 people were injured, including passengers and crew members who fell into the water, but in a swift rescue operation all were located safely. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that everyone who was on the boat was located and thanked the rescue forces. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry promised to investigate the circumstances of the accident. Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham reported that the tanker may have suffered a steering system malfunction. The investigation is being conducted by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States.