Tanker collides with docked river cruise ship on Mississippi River near New Orleans
A 525-foot Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage riverboat of American Cruise Lines while it was docked, prompting evacuations of more than 130 passengers and crew.
The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting Louisiana authorities after a tanker collided with a river cruise vessel on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a social-media post. Mullin said the Coast Guard, which is part of DHS, is coordinating closely with state officials and deploying all available assets for rescue operations.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker, registered in the Marshall Islands and measuring 525 feet long by 77 feet wide, struck the American Cruise Lines paddle-wheeler American Heritage, which was docked at a cruise dock. The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday, according to port officials.
New Orleans Fire and Emergency Services reported that the riverboat began taking on water and that a watercraft in distress was observed in the area. Firefighters assisted with water rescues and helped transfer passengers to a tugboat.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and was traveling to New Orleans, adding that state officials were in close contact with local law-enforcement agencies.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that guests and crew were evacuated from the American Heritage, which has a capacity of 150 guests, and said the company is working with the Coast Guard and local authorities. The cause of the collision and the number of injuries remain under investigation.