From Indiatimes · Aadrita Halder · · 1m 50s
New Orleans Cruise Boat Sinks After Tanker Collision
Tanker collision with New Orleans cruise boat partially sinks 130 passengers.
In brief
Tanker collision with New Orleans cruise boat partially sinks 130 passengers. A tanker collided with the American Heritage cruise ship near New Orleans, partially sinking it and prompting a rescue operation on the Mississippi River. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Collision on Mississippi River
A tanker collided with a river cruise boat carrying around 130 passengers near New Orleans on Friday.
Vessel Partially Sinks
The impact caused the cruise boat to list and partially sink.
Passengers Evacuated
Passengers who had evacuated the American Heritage were being taken to the New Orleans port administration building.
Rescue Operations
New Orleans firefighters, port and city police, the US Coast Guard and local emergency medical services personnel were involved in the rescue.
River Traffic Closed
The Mississippi River had been closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96.
Tanker Identity
The tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Heritage.
Cruise Ship Operator
The American Heritage is a paddlewheel cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines.
Video Footage
Video footage from the scene showed passengers on the deck as the boat tilted into the water.
Life Jackets
Some people were seen in the river wearing life jackets.
Vessel Docked
The vessel appeared to be docked when the impact occurred.
Injuries Unknown
Authorities did not immediately confirm whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
Emergency Response
Lieutenant Stephanie C. Norwood of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services said all agencies were responding to the rescue efforts.
Rescue Status
The US Coast Guard said the Mississippi River had been closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 9:30pm.
Cause Unknown
The cause of the collision was not immediately known.
What to remember
A tanker collided with the American Heritage cruise ship near New Orleans, partially sinking it and prompting a rescue operation on the Mississippi River.
