Tanker Hits Cruise Ship on Mississippi River in New Orleans; Ship Lists as Rescue Effort Under Way
A tanker has collided with a passenger river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, leaving the cruise ship listing to one side and taking on water. Officials said a large emergency response was under way after the collision on Friday afternoon.
The ship that was struck was American Cruise Lines' American Heritage. A Port of New Orleans official told local news outlet WVUE that the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the vessel at around 12:30 pm local time on Friday.
Port authorities told local media there were about 129 passengers aboard the American Heritage, in addition to crew members, when it was struck — more than 130 people in total.
The American Heritage was docked on the Mississippi River outside the Port of New Orleans's administrative building when it was hit. After the impact, the ship fell to its side towards the open water.
Videos and images circulating on social media showed the American Heritage on its side. Reports said the footage appeared to show the moment of the crash, after which the ship began sinking rapidly, and local media reported the vessel was taking on water.
An emergency response source said efforts were under way to rescue people from the water. The source said it was possible the tanker had lost power before striking the American Heritage.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed the incident in the Mississippi River. In a post on X, he said he was in contact with local officials and law enforcement.
This is a developing incident. No casualty figures were available in the material from authorities at the time of this report, and the rescue effort was continuing.
