New Orleans port officials have filed a federal lawsuit against the owners and managers of the Atlantic Asphalt tanker after it struck the docked American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans is seeking at least $1 million for damage to the port’s Thalia Street Terminal, along with cleanup, inspection, repair and other related costs.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday, November 13, 2026, the same day as the crash in New Orleans.
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New Orleans Port: What happened on the Mississippi River
The Atlantic Asphalt, a 525-foot asphalt tanker, hit the American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. local time while the passenger vessel was docked near the port.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was in the process of allowing passengers to disembark after completing a river cruise.
The impact caused the riverboat to capsize and become partially submerged beside the terminal.
Authorities said all passengers and crew members were accounted for after the collision.
Initial emergency reports said dozens of people were taken to hospital, while a later update said eight people remained hospitalized on Saturday.
The tanker’s crew also survived the incident.
Port seeks control of tanker
The port’s complaint names the Atlantic Asphalt, its registered owner Nave Shipping SA and its management company Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd. as defendants.
The port is also seeking legal control of the tanker so it can be held while investigators and authorities determine responsibility for the damage.
A federal judge issued a warrant connected to that request, according to court records cited in reports on the case.
The legal filing alleges that the tanker and the companies responsible for it failed to follow required safety procedures and did not take adequate steps to avoid striking the docked riverboat and terminal.
Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Investigation continues
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Officials have said the tanker appeared to lose steering or control as it travelled along the river, but investigators have not announced a final explanation for what happened.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are involved in the investigation.
The NTSB has said a preliminary report could be available within roughly 24 to 30 days, while a full investigation may take considerably longer.
Investigators are expected to examine the tanker’s steering and propulsion systems, bridge communications, pilotage arrangements, operating procedures and the actions of both vessels before the impact.
They will also assess the condition of the terminal, the sequence of the rescue operation and the extent of damage to the American Heritage.
Salvage work could take weeks
The capsized American Heritage remains a major salvage and navigation concern at the riverfront.
Local officials said removing the damaged riverboat could take weeks, depending on river conditions, access around the vessel and the requirements of the investigation.
Salvage crews must work with authorities before the ship can be moved or dismantled because investigators may need access to the vessel and its surrounding debris.
The response could also affect activity around the terminal while crews inspect the dock, remove damaged material and assess whether repairs are required before normal operations resume.
What happens next in court
The port’s lawsuit is a civil maritime property claim and does not determine whether criminal charges will be laid.
The defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and challenge the amount of damages claimed.
The final cost could change as engineers complete inspections and the port accounts for salvage, repairs, business interruption and other expenses.
The federal court case will proceed separately from the safety investigation.
The investigation’s findings could influence later claims involving the port, the cruise operator, passengers, crew members, terminal workers and the companies connected to the tanker.
For now, officials have not announced a final cause for the crash or a complete assessment of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the New Orleans cruise ship crash happen?
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the docked American Heritage on Friday, November 13, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m. local time.
What is the Port of New Orleans suing for?
The port is seeking at least $1 million for damage to its Thalia Street Terminal, plus cleanup, inspection, repair and related costs.
Who was named in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit names the Atlantic Asphalt, its registered owner Nave Shipping SA and its management company Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd.
Were there any fatalities?
Officials said all passengers and crew members were accounted for after the riverboat capsized, and no deaths were reported.
What caused the tanker to hit the riverboat?
The cause has not been determined. Investigators are examining reports that the tanker lost steering or control before the impact.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against U.S. Coast Guard vessel records, National Transportation Safety Board information and official Port of New Orleans material available for the incident.
Disclaimer: The lawsuit contains allegations that remain subject to court proceedings, and the cause of the crash may change as the investigation develops.