Tanker hits cruise ship carrying 129 people on Mississippi River
The American Heritage vessel was partially submerged near the Port of New Orleans after being struck by the Atlantic Asphalt tanker.
A tanker struck a river cruise ship carrying 129 passengers and crew members on the Mississippi River near New Orleans on Friday, according to Times Now. The collision occurred at approximately 12:30 local time near the Port of New Orleans Administration Building.
The cruise ship, the American Heritage operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked and preparing to disembark passengers when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt hit it. The impact caused the vessel to list and sink partially into the river.
Emergency responders launched a search-and-rescue operation to account for everyone on board. The New Orleans mayor's communications team stated that several people had been rescued by about 14:10.
City officials issued an alert at 14:30 asking people to avoid the area to allow responders to work. Passengers were being moved to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building to receive assistance.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was aware of the accident and was heading to New Orleans as of 14:00. The incident took place near the city's Convention Center on a busy stretch of the waterfront.
