By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- A tanker struck the paddlewheel cruise boat American Heritage on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, partially submerging the vessel with 129 passengers aboard.
- Rescues were underway, and authorities had not said whether anyone was injured or killed.
- Video from the scene showed the much larger Atlantic Asphalt tanker hitting the boat, which appeared to be docked.
- People were seen in the river in life jackets or standing near the railing as the boat listed further into the water.
- American Cruise Lines operates the cruise boat, and New Orleans Emergency Medical Services said all agencies are responding.
NEW ORLEANS — A tanker struck a river cruise boat carrying 129 passengers on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, partially submerging the vessel as rescue crews responded, the Associated Press reported.
Enan Chediak/Enan Chediak/The Advocate via AP
Video from the scene showed the Atlantic Asphalt tanker, which is much larger, hit the paddlewheel boat American Heritage while it appeared to be docked. People were seen in the river wearing life jackets or standing near the railing as the boat listed deeper into the water. American Cruise Lines operates the boat.
Authorities did not immediately release whether there were injuries or deaths. Lt. Stephanie C. Norwood of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services said all agencies are responding to rescue efforts.
The cause of the collision has not been released.