Tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River near New Orleans, rescue efforts underway

A tanker operated by Atlantic Asphalt collided with the American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. while the cruise ship was docked near 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The American Heritage had arrived two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, according to Port NOLA.

Port officials said roughly 129 passengers and crew were aboard at the time of the impact. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, conducting rescue and triage operations. Passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for assistance.

"Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders. This remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the allision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed," the port said in a news release.

Mayor Helena Moreno said emergency crews were responding and that search-and-rescue efforts continued. Governor Jeff Landry announced he was traveling to New Orleans and was in close contact with local officials. The U.S. Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation.

"The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations," the Coast Guard stated.

The incident occurred near the Crescent City Connection on the New Orleans side of the river. The Regional Transportation Authority suspended ferry service pending further information.