NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — A major rescue operation was underway Friday afternoon after a tanker struck a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, leaving the passenger vessel listing sharply and partially submerged.
According to reports from the scene, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage, a river cruise vessel operated by American Cruise Lines, at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. The cruise ship was reportedly docked near the Port of New Orleans while passengers were preparing to disembark.
The American Heritage had approximately 129 passengers aboard, in addition to crew members. Video from the scene showed the vessel leaning dramatically as people wearing life jackets were seen in the water and emergency crews moved in to assist.
Rescue crews respond as river traffic is affected
Local fire, police, emergency medical personnel, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police and the U.S. Coast Guard were among the agencies responding. Passengers and crew were being evacuated and taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for assistance and evaluation.
The Coast Guard restricted vessel traffic in the affected stretch of the river while the emergency response continued. Officials urged the public to stay clear of the area and allow first responders to work.
What caused the collision?
The cause of the crash had not been confirmed in the initial reports. There was also no verified public count of injuries or fatalities at the time of publication. Reports that the tanker may have experienced a loss of power had not been confirmed by authorities.
Investigators will need to establish the movements and operating condition of both vessels, the circumstances surrounding the impact, and whether any mechanical or navigational issues played a role. Those details will be important in determining how the collision happened.
Why this incident matters
A collision involving a large commercial tanker and a passenger vessel raises serious questions about vessel navigation, port operations and passenger safety. The immediate priority remains accounting for everyone aboard and ensuring that anyone injured receives care.
TVBikerDad.com will update this report as officials release confirmed information. Early reports during an active rescue can change, and the number of people injured, the extent of the damage and the cause of the collision remain subject to confirmation.
Follow the developing story
Read the original local coverage from WDSU and continuing national reporting from the Associated Press.