Tanker collides with riverboat in New Orleans, rescues underway - USA Today
Rescue efforts are underway after a tanker ship collided with a cruise boat docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon.
It was not immediately known what caused the collision.
Kimberly Curth, a spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans, told USA TODAY that at about 12:30 p.m. local time, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the American Cruise Linesβ American Heritage while the cruise boat was docked at the port.
"Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders," the port said in a statement. "This remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed."
At the time of the incident, about 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the riverboat.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that its riverboat, which according to its website has a capacity for 150 people, was involved in a collision Friday afternoon.
"We are in close coordination with the US Coast Guard and local authorities," the company said. "Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available."
