A tanker collided with a cruise ship carrying over 100 passengers on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Friday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when an Atlantic Asphalt tanker crashed into the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, which was docked on the Mississippi River, officials said. The American Heritage was carrying 129 passengers in addition to crew members.
Nearly two hours after the incident, emergency crews were still conducting search-and-rescue operations. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said multiple people have been rescued. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and medical personnel responded to the incident.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) said in a statement that he had been made aware of the collision and would be traveling to New Orleans.
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“We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement,” he said. “I am headed to New Orleans now.”
The Port of New Orleans said in a statement to CNN that the cause of the incident is still under investigation, but the immediate focus is ensuring the safety of crew members, passengers, and first responders.