The Crescent City Connection bridge near the port of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 3 March 2022. Photograph: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe Crescent City Connection bridge near the port of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 3 March 2022. Photograph: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesTanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River in New OrleansA large emergency response is underway to rescue people from the water, with overnight cruise ship on its side
A tanker collided with an overnight cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response, according to officials.
The boat that was struck was American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, a New Orleans port official told local news outlet WVUE. The ship had about 129 passengers – in addition to crew members – aboard at the time it was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt tanker, the outlet reported, citing the spokesperson.
An emergency response source said that there were efforts underway to rescue people from the water. That source said it was possible the tanker had lost power before striking the American Heritage.
Images on social media showed the American Heritage on its side. It was docked on the Mississippi River outside the port of New Orleans’s administrative building when it was hit.
