Twelve people entered the frigid Mississippi River on Friday afternoon after an asphalt tanker crashed into a docked river cruiser carrying 129 passengers, WDSU reported.
Vessel Collision at Mile Marker 96
The collision occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the Port of New Orleans outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, FOX 8 Live WVUE reported. The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage while the passenger ship was docked after completing the initial phase of its disembarkation, Business Insider reported.
🚨Terrifying video out of #NewOrleans/#Lousiana. The moments an American heritage passenger cruise ship starts to sink with passengers onboard in the Mississippi River. Early reports suggest at least 12 people in the water. pic.twitter.com/QGjjAT5IyS
The U.S. Coast Guard classified the incident as an allision, which occurs when a moving vessel strikes a stationary one. Authorities closed the Mississippi River to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while emergency responders managed the disaster zone, WBMA reported.
Emergency Responders Rescue Passengers from Submerged Vessel
Video footage from the scene captured the American Heritage listing heavily before coming to rest completely sideways and partially submerged in the river. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Coast Guard deployed response boats to pull stranded individuals from the water.
NOLAREADY: For information on missing persons potentially involved in today's river collision, call 3-1-1 in New Orleans or 504-539-3266 outside New Orleans.
Rescued passengers were brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and immediate medical assistance. Mayor Helena Moreno announced during an afternoon news conference that all 129 passengers and crew members were accounted for following the extensive search.
“Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans,” Mayor Helena Moreno said, according to FOX 8 Live WVUE.
Becky and I are praying for everyone involved in the terrible ship collision in New Orleans. We’re grateful for the brave first responders working to rescue those in danger and praying everyone makes it home safely.https://t.co/PvqOlVPsuL
“My heart is with the survivors, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific accident,” Congressman Troy Carter said.
Officials confirmed that 32 people were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. None of the hospitalized individuals sustained critical or life-threatening injuries, and no injuries were reported aboard the Atlantic Asphalt tanker.
Official Responses to the Disaster
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority temporarily suspended ferry service across the river as an immediate safety precaution.
“I want to recognize the dedication, professionalism and bravery of all those first responders,” said Capt. Melanie A. Burnham, commander of Sector New Orleans for the U.S. Coast Guard.
NOLAREADY:RTA ferry service across the Mississippi River is temporarily suspended as a precaution after a collision involving two vessels. Plan alternate routes
“This is a literal miracle on the Mississippi,” said Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana.
Local authorities established an information line for concerned family members, directing callers to dial 311 within New Orleans or 504-539-3266 for callers outside the city.
I am devastated to hear about the ships crashing near the Port of New Orleans. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the swift rescue of survivors and for all emergency crews responding to the situation.https://t.co/igj4ViRvGX
