NEW ORLEANS —
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.
VIDEO: Watch the moment an oil tanker hit a cruise ship docked in New Orleans
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.
VIDEO: Watch people rescued from freezing Mississippi River
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.
The accident occurred near the Crescent City Connection on the New Orleans side.
President Trump was informed of the collision:
President Trump was briefed on the boat accident in New Orleans, according to a senior White House official.
New Orleans officials respond:
Mayor Helena Moreno released the following statement:
“Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a cargo ship and a river cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. Several people have been rescued and search and rescue operations are continuing. Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved. This incident remains active and developing.”
Governor on the way:
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is on his way to New Orleans and issued the following statement:
“We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and are in close contact with local authorities and law enforcement. I am now heading to New Orleans.”
The Coast Guard imposes the partial closure of the river:
The U.S. Coast Guard released the following statement regarding the response:
“The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with local response partners, is responding to a collision involving an oil tanker and a cruise ship near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River.
“The river is closed to all marine traffic between kilometer markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations.
“This is an evolving situation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
RTA suspends ferry service:
RTA ferry services on the Mississippi River have been temporarily
suspended as a precautionary measure after a collision involving two vessels.
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