A tanker slammed into a docked river cruiser carrying about 129 passengers in New Orleans Friday, triggering rescue operations as emergency crews brought passengers ashore for triage and assistance.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m. on the Mississippi River, the Port of New Orleans said in a statement shared with Fox News. Crew members were also aboard the cruise ship.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Coast Guard was supporting state and local responders near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River.
“We are throwing every asset we have to help rescue missing passengers,” Mullin wrote on X, adding that DHS was coordinating closely with Louisiana officials. “Our prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible tragedy.”
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The Coast Guard said the Mississippi River was closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assessed the situation and conducted response operations.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that guests and crew were evacuated and said it was coordinating closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities.
“Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” the company said in a statement. “We will share more information as it becomes available.”
The New Orleans Fire Department and NOLA Ready said in a Facebook update that multiple people had been rescued and search-and-rescue operations were ongoing at the time of the post.
“Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved,” the update said.
The number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not been confirmed, port officials said.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders,” the port said. “This remains an active and evolving incident.”
Acadian Ambulance said on X that it had transported eight patients and had 15 units and two sprint trucks on scene to assist New Orleans EMS and other first responders. The ambulance service said it was prepared to send additional units if needed.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel were on scene conducting rescue and response operations.
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Passengers were being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance, officials said.
The American Heritage had docked about two hours before the collision to begin letting passengers off.
According to the news release, skies were clear with no precipitation around the time of the collision, with temperatures in the upper 60s and north winds of 8 to 12 mph, gusting to 15 to 17 mph. The release listed the current water temperature at around 66 degrees.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was heading 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 on X. “I am headed to New Orleans now.”
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., said he was closely monitoring the response.
“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, the city’s emergency preparedness agency, urged people to avoid the area and allow responders to work.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
