Rescue efforts under way as ship takes on water; governor confirms incident in Mississippi River
Tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River in New Orleans
Photos are circulating on social media of people climbing out and onto the balconies of the ship that is now turned completely on its side.
Local media is reporting that multiple people have already been rescued, and helicopters were seen in the air along with ambulances waiting nearby. Several people can be seen in the river wearing life jackets.
Videos circulating across social media appear to show the moment the Atlantic Asphalt tanker crashes into the side of the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship is docked on the Mississippi River. The ship then falls to its side towards the open water and begins sinking rapidly.
An emergency response source said that there were efforts underway to rescue people from the water. That source said it was possible the tanker had lost power before striking the American Heritage.
Images on social media showed the American Heritage on its side. It was docked on the Mississippi River outside the port of New Orleans’s administrative building when it was hit.
A tanker has collided with a river cruise liner carrying more than 130 people in New Orleans , authorities have said.
The governor of Louisiana has confirmed an incident in the Mississippi river. Jeff Landry said on X he was in contact with local officials and law enforcement.
The cruise liner was taking on water, local media reports said, and rescue efforts are under way.
The Port of New Orleans press secretary said the tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 pm local time on Friday.
There were about 129 passengers onboard as well as crew, Port authorities told local media.
This is breaking news story. We’ll bring you the latest updates as we get them.
