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A massive rescue operation is underway Friday in New Orleans after a tanker collided with a river cruise ship carrying 129 passengers and crew members, sending the vessel partially underwater in the Mississippi River.
The collision involving American Cruise Lines' American Heritage occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time Friday near the Port of New Orleans, according to port officials. The cruise ship was docked along the riverfront outside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building when it was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt tanker.
“Emergency crews are responding to a vessel collision near the Port of New Orleans. Avoid the area and allow responders to work. Updates to follow,” city officials said in an alert shortly after 2:30 p.m.
The cruise ship arrived at the dock about two hours earlier and was preparing to disembark passengers when the collision occurred. There were 129 passengers aboard, in addition to crew members, according to the Port of New Orleans, WVUE reports.
Video from the scene showed the much larger tanker striking the paddlewheel cruise ship while it appeared to be docked.