A major maritime accident unfolded on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday after a tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship carrying approximately 129 passengers and crew members.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m., prompting an emergency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, firefighters and medical teams.
Passengers and crew were evacuated, with multiple people rescued and brought to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for medical assessment and assistance. Acadian Ambulance confirmed transporting eight patients while additional emergency units remained at the scene.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said authorities were deploying every available resource to locate missing passengers. He also confirmed that federal agencies were coordinating with Louisiana officials.
The Mississippi River was temporarily closed to vessel traffic in the affected area as rescue operations continued.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced he was traveling to New Orleans to monitor the situation. Officials said the number of injuries and the cause of the collision had not yet been confirmed.
