US investigators say too soon to know what caused tanker-cruise ship collision

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced an investigation into a collision between a tanker and a cruise ship in New Orleans on Friday, local time. All 197 passengers and crew members on board the American Heritage cruise ship, along with the tanker, were unharmed. The investigation team, consisting of 16 investigators, is expected to release a preliminary report within 24 to 30 days and a final report within 18 to 24 months.

NTSB member John DeLeeuw stated that the agency is still in the fact-finding stage and that it is too early to determine the cause of the incident. The team will examine the maintenance records and history of the vessel, among other factors.

One passenger, Joe Knab, recounted the moment of impact, describing the tanker's repeated horn blasts as the initial warning. The collision caused the cruise ship to list and the crew swiftly assisted passengers, including Knab, who was thrown into the Mississippi River. Despite being submerged for approximately 15 minutes, Knab remained unharmed. He joked about his 20 years of naval experience potentially saving his life.

A lawsuit filed by the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans asserts that the tanker is responsible for at least $1 million in damages to its terminal. Federal authorities now have control of the tanker, and it has been towed away from the site. However, removing the 60,500 litres of fuel onboard and recovering the cruise ship, which remains on its side, could take weeks.