Dozens of people have reportedly been transported to area hospitals after a tanker collided with a New Orleans river cruise boat Friday afternoon, prompting a massive rescue operation on the Mississippi River.
About 130 passengers were aboard the American Heritage cruise boat, operated by American Cruise Lines, when it was struck around 12:30 p.m. near the Port of New Orleans, leaving it partially submerged.
People wearing life jackets were seen in the river, while others remained aboard as the boat sank deeper into the water.
Several people had been rescued by about 2:10 p.m., according to the New Orleans mayor’s communications team, with rescue efforts still underway.
A New Orleans Emergency Medical Services official said all agencies were responding to the scene. Ferry service in the area has been suspended.
It remains unclear whether anyone has been killed or injured. Officials are expected to hold a press conference soon.
Officials are working to obtain hotel rooms for impacted passengers
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is working to obtain more than 80 hotel rooms for American Heritage passengers, WDSU reported.
A few hours before it was struck, the vessel had docked to begin passenger disembarkation.
Riverboat company says it is coordinating closely with officials
American Cruise Lines, which operates American Heritage, said it is closely coordinating with officials following the crash.
“American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans,” the company said Friday, according to WBRZ.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities,” the statement added. “Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
'I am devastated:' congressman reacts to boat collision
“I am devastated to hear about the ships crashing near the Port of New Orleans,” Rep. Troy Carter, whose district encompasses New Orleans, wrote on X.
“I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the swift rescue of survivors and for all emergency crews responding to the situation,” he added.
Dozens have been transported to area hospitals: report
Dozens of people have been transported to area hospitals after the riverboat was struck and was left partially submerged in the Mississippi River, according to WDSU, citing officials.
Lt. governor says he received 'unofficial' report that all passengers had been accounted for
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser told CBS News affiliate WWL that he has received an “unofficial” report that all passengers are accounted for.
“The latest text I got, it doesn’t appear there’s been any loss of life,” he told the network.
“We don’t know that for sure, because it was a tragic scene and it went down really quickly.”
“The concern is these are elderly people,” he added.
IN PHOTOS: Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene
Photos show emergency personnel responding to the scene in the Mississippi River Friday after a tanker crashed into a riverboat, which began to submerge.
Footage shows large tanker veering into the riverboat
Bystander footage of the incident shows a large green tanker veering into the starboard side of the paddlewheel riverboat, while both were situated nearby a bridge.
“They just hit that ferry,” a woman off camera says.
Louisiana governor is monitoring the situation
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he is monitoring the situation and en route to New Orleans.
Ferry service across the river has been temporarily suspended
Ferry service across the Mississippi River in the area has been temporarily suspended, officials said.
