NEW ORLEANS —
Emergency crews are on the scene of a boat crash near the Port of New Orleans.
According to the Port of New Orleans, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the 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 aboard the American Heritage.
Rescues are 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:
The American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. River and small ship cruise line.
The cruise line has over 25 ships operating solely in the U.S. and 100% owned and operated.
What we know about the crash:
Multiple agencies are responding to a boat crash in the Mississippi River.
At 12:30 p.m. the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the 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 approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, according to Port NOLA.
At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the American Heritage.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel are on scene, conducting rescue and response operations.
Passengers are being 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 remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the allision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed,” the Port issued a news release.