Fox News correspondent Brooke Taylor reports that the Port of New Orleans has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages. The suit also requests seizure and sale of the asphalt tanker that struck a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River.
Judge Authorizes Immediate Arrest of Tanker
The complaint, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, names the Atlantic Asphalt tanker, owner Nave Shipping SA, and manager Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd. The port alleges negligence for failing to take adequate precautions.
The port alleges more than $1 million in physical damage to its Thalia Street Terminal, where the American Heritage cruise ship was moored Friday afternoon. It also seeks compensation for cleanup, repairs, business interruption and lost revenue.
Collision Details and Aftermath
The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. Friday near the Crescent City Connection bridge after the tanker appeared to lose steering control. The impact capsized the American Heritage, causing it to partially sink.
Thirty-two people were taken to hospitals, but no fatalities or critical injuries were reported. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the casualty count.
OSM Thome said the tanker remained stable at anchor and the company cooperated with investigators. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
FAA Proposes $350,000 Fine on Charter Company
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $350,000 fine against a charter company for conducting unauthorized flights. The enforcement action is separate from the river collision.
Representatives from the Port of New Orleans, OSM Thome, American Cruise Lines and the U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to FOX Business requests for comment. FOX Business sought comment from each party.
