Port of New Orleans files $1 million suit over tanker crash

The Port of New Orleans filed a federal lawsuit on Friday evening seeking at least $1 million in damages. The suit targets the owners and managers of the tanker that struck a riverboat on the Mississippi River.

The legal action was filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana. It names Atlantic Asphalt, Nave Shipping SA, and Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd. as defendants. The port claims the collision caused at least $1 million in damage to the Thalia Street Terminal.

The American Heritage was docked at that terminal when the incident occurred. Court documents state the 525-foot tanker lost control while passing under the Crescent City Connection bridge. The vessel veered right and hit the moored cruise ship.

The impact caused the American Heritage to capsize and partially sink. Authorities reported that 192 passengers were aboard. All were rescued safely, though 32 required hospital treatment.

The lawsuit asserts negligence and gross negligence on the part of the Atlantic Asphalt. It notes that Nave Shipping is registered in Liberia and acts as the registered owner and commercial manager. Thome, based in Singapore, is identified as the ISM manager responsible for safety implementation aboard the ship.

The port board states it has incurred and will continue to incur costs for cleanup, surveys, repair, replacement, and salvage. These expenses create a maritime lien against the tanker. An arrest warrant was issued for federal marshals to seize and hold the Atlantic Asphalt.

The case is assigned to federal magistrate Karen Wells Roby and U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter. The port is represented by attorneys from the law firm Jones Walker.