Large emergency response underway to rescue people from the water, with overnight cruise ship on its side
A tanker collided with an overnight cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, prompting an emergency effort to rescue people from the water, according to officials.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage at about 12.30pm, said Kimberly Curth, the Port of New Orleans press secretary, in a statement. The American Heritage had about 129 passengers – in addition to crew members – onboard when it was hit, according to Curth.
About two hours before that, the American Heritage had docked at the port to begin passenger disembarkation.
An emergency response source said that there were efforts under way – including by New Orleans firefighters – to rescue multiple 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. One image in particular showed people climbing on the side of the cruise boat after it was struck, with chairs and tables strewn about.
A video from local NBC News affiliate WDSU showed crew members of a tug boat working to pull people in lifejackets or holding on to flotation rings out of…
