A tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, prompting a multi-agency rescue operation to bring passengers ashore safely.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m., according to a statement from the Port of New Orleans. The cruise ship was carrying about 129 passengers along with crew members at the time of the collision.
The New Orleans Fire Department and NOLA Ready said in a Facebook update that multiple people had been rescued and that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing. “Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved,” the agencies said.
Port officials said the number of injuries and the cause of the collision had not yet been confirmed. “Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders,” the port said in its statement. “This remains an active and evolving incident.”
Responders on scene included Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel. Passengers were being taken into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance.
The American Heritage had docked roughly two hours before the collision and had begun letting passengers disembark. According to the port’s release, conditions at the time were clear with no precipitation, temperatures in the upper 60s, and north winds of 8 to 12 mph gusting to 15 to 17 mph. The water temperature was listed at about 66 degrees.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was traveling to New Orleans as the response unfolded. “We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement,” Landry wrote on X. “I am headed to New Orleans now.”
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., said he was following the situation closely. “I am devastated to hear about the ships crashing near the Port of New Orleans,” Carter wrote on X. “I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the swift rescue of survivors and for all emergency crews responding to the situation.”
NOLA Ready urged residents and the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency responders to continue their work. This remains a developing story.
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