'Steering casualty' preceded New Orleans cruise ship collision, says NTSB

The tanker was upbound on the Mississippi River as it moved toward the east bank of the river just before the collision, said the NTSB, based on findings from the vessel's voyage data recorder. Minutes before the crash, investigators said audio consistent with the ship's warning system was broadcast, along with commands to deploy the vessel's anchors and emergency ship handling orders."We are aware that there was an issue with the steering on board and causing the rudder to remain at a starboard position, causing the heading of the vessel to veer towards the east bank," investigator-in-charge Bart Barnum said during the news conference. The exact issue with the steering has yet to be determined, he added. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected in 30 days. Calls about the collision began around 13:30 EST (18:30 GMT) on Friday, when people began trying to help passengers escape the boat as it took on water, Port of New Orleans chief Melanie Montroll said after the incident. There were about 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, on the American Heritage at the time of the collision, according to the port authority. Passengers began getting off the paddlewheeler vessel, operated by American Cruise Lines, as it started listing before tipping onto its side. Tugboat operators, police and other rescuers rushed to help while officials shut down traffic in the Mississippi River during the rescue effort. The American Heritage had been finishing an eight-day cruise calling at destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi along the waterway.