Tanker collides with cruise ship in New Orleans, rescues underway
· Yahoo NewsA large asphalt tanker collided with a cruise ship carrying more than 100 passengers while it was docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, and rescue efforts are underway.
Bystander footage from the scene showed the white, riverboat-style cruise ship named the American Heritage slowly tipping onto its side following the collision as passengers waited on the deck. Reports suggest that a dozen or more people were rescued from the water.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
American Cruise Lines, which operates the American Heritage, shared a message on social media confirming that its ship was involved in a collision. The company said it was "deeply concerned" for everyone involved.
"We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available."
American Heritage collision echos earlier New Orleans incident
Today's American Heritage collision echoes an earlier incident in New Orleans.
On Dec. 14, 1996, the fully loaded Liberian bulk carrier Bright Field lost power as it was passing under New Orleans' Crescent City Connection bridge and struck a wharf adjacent to a mall, hotel and parking garage.
According to NOLA.com, "there were no fatalities, but four people suffered serious injuries and 58 suffered minor injuries during evacuations of buildings and the Flamingo riverboat casino near the area of impact."
Total property damages were estimated at $20 million.
A ferry on the Mississippi River passes by the Crescent City Connection bridge.
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)Where the crash occurred
The collision occurred on the Mississippi River at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, below the Crescent City Connection bridge.
What kind of boat is the American Heritage?
The American Heritage — which capsized in the Mississippi River after it was struck by an asphalt tanker — is a 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines.
Nearly 130 passengers were on board the 300-foot vessel at the time of the collision, according to authorities. They were reportedly participating in eight-day, seven-night river cruise.
The American Heritage features a fitness center, a "cozy study enclave" and a "glass-enclosed restaurant," according to American Cruise Lines. It was built in 2015.
Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene.
(Matthew Hinton/AP)Louisiana governor en route to crash site
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced on social media that he was in contact with "local officials and law enforcement" and was headed to New Orleans.
Advertisement
AdvertisementBystander video shows the moment the tanker struck the ship
Footage obtained by WDSU-TV in New Orleans shows the large tanker slowly moving toward the ship as it docked along the Mississippi River. A loud crunching sound can be heard when the two vessels collide. While the cruise ship did not immediately show significant damage, the impact was enough to gradually cause it to sink.