New Orleans rescue operations underway after tanker strikes docked cruise ship
A tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship carrying more than 100 passengers and crew members on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, leaving the smaller vessel partly submerged and setting off a rescue operation. The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines near the Port of New Orleans, according to a statement from port…
A tanker crashed into a docked cruise ship carrying over 100 passengers and crew members in New Orleans on Friday, prompting a rescue operation. The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Heritage, a river cruise vessel belonging to American Cruise Lines near the Port of New Orleans, according to a port spokesperson.
The cruise ship had just docked to disembark passengers and still had 129 passengers and crew members on board at the time of the incident. Video footage from local NBC affiliate WDSU showed the larger tanker approaching the docked cruise ship before the collision occurred. Subsequent footage revealed the American Heritage tipped onto its side and partially submerged in the river.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with authorities including the New Orleans mayor’s office, port police, city firefighters, police, and the US Coast Guard present at the scene. The safety of all passengers, crew members, and first responders remains the top priority, though the extent of injuries and the cause of the accident have yet to be confirmed.
The American Heritage, described as a classic paddlewheeler river boat with a capacity of up to 180 passengers, underwent a renovation in 2022.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
