The Port of New Orleans has sued the owners and managers of the tanker that struck the docked American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River, alleging the collision caused at least $1 million in damage to a port terminal. The riverboat remains on its side in the water, and Coast Guard officials say removing it may take weeks.

What the Port of New Orleans lawsuit says

The Port of New Orleans filed the federal lawsuit late Friday against the Atlantic Asphalt, its owner Nave Shipping SA and its manager, Thome Ship Management. The port alleges the tanker was at fault and says it caused more than $1 million in damage to terminal property. Those are claims in the lawsuit; the tanker’s operator had not responded to CBS News’ request for comment by Saturday’s report.

The lawsuit also sought to have the tanker seized to help secure the port’s claim. A judge issued a warrant Friday that gave federal officials control of the vessel for now, the Associated Press reported. The tanker has since been moved from the collision site.

Riverboat removal and Mississippi River traffic

The American Heritage remains turned on its side against a terminal. Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham said it could take weeks to remove the vessel. Authorities first need a safe plan to remove about 16,000 gallons of fuel still aboard, according to AP. River traffic has been limited around the site, though the Coast Guard said vessels should be able to move upstream and downstream soon.

Everyone aboard the riverboat and tanker survived. AP reported Saturday that eight people remained hospitalized after 32 people were taken to hospitals; none of the reported injuries was critical. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and the exact cause remains unknown. Coast Guard officials said the tanker appeared to lose steering, but that preliminary observation is not a final finding.

The legal filing adds a recovery and navigation issue to Friday’s rescue. The Globuzz’s earlier report on the collision and passenger rescue covered the initial response; this update focuses on the port’s lawsuit, the damaged vessel and the work ahead to clear the riverboat.

Sources

Associated Press: New Orleans port sues to get control of tanker that crashed into cruise ship

CBS News: Port of New Orleans sues tanker over $1 million in repair costs

Axios New Orleans: Riverboat removal could take weeks as eight remain hospitalized