NEW ORLEANS —
Emergency crews are on the scene of a boating accident near the New Orleans Harbor.
According to the Port of New Orleans, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place.
At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were on board the American Heritage.
Rescue work is underway for 12 people in the water.
Below is everything we know about the rescue operation and collision.
What we know about American Cruise Line:
American Cruise Lines is the largest river and small ship cruise line in the United States.
The cruise line has more than 25 ships operating solely in the United States and 100% owned and operated.
What we know about the accident:
Multiple agencies are responding to a boating accident on the Mississippi River.
At 12:30 p.m., the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place.
The American Heritage had docked about two hours earlier to begin disembarking passengers, according to Port NOLA.
At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were on board the American Heritage.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel are on scene to conduct rescue and response operations.
Passengers are brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, for triage and assistance, according to port officials.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders. This is an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed,” a port press release issued.
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