A tanker struck a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans Friday afternoon, setting off a multi-agency rescue effort to get roughly 129 passengers to safety.
The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, according to a statement from the Port of New Orleans. Crew members were also aboard the cruise ship at the time.
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 still underway.
“Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved,” the update said.
Port officials said the number of injuries and the cause of the crash had not yet been confirmed.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders,” the port said. “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 brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance.
The American Heritage had docked about two hours before the collision and had begun letting passengers off the ship. The port’s release noted that skies were clear with no precipitation at the time, with temperatures in the upper 60s, north winds of 8 to 12 mph gusting to 15 to 17 mph, and a water temperature of around 66 degrees.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said on X that he was traveling to New Orleans as authorities responded.
“We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement,” Landry wrote. “I am headed to New Orleans now.”
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., said he was monitoring the response 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 bystanders to avoid the area so that responders could continue working. This remains a developing situation.
Add comment