Tanker that slammed into docked NOLA riverboat had history of navigational systems issues: report

The 15,000-ton tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with a docked riverboat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, sending 32 people to hospital and leaving eight still hospitalised. The vessel’s reported history of safety and navigation problems may raise questions about how it was maintained and whether earlier warnings were addressed.

The American Heritage had nearly 200 people aboard; none of those injured were reported to be in critical condition. The tanker had received citations from US, Canadian and European officials, including for a jammed autopilot in 2024, loss of communication between the bridge and engine, defective wiring and lifeboats that might not deploy quickly. The Port of New Orleans has sued the tanker’s owner and the company managing its voyage.