A catastrophic collision occurred in New Orleans when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt slammed into the docked American Heritage river cruise ship, carrying approximately 129 passengers and crew, prompting an immediate and extensive rescue operation. The incident, which took place around 12:30 p.m. on the Mississippi River near mile marker 96, saw emergency crews scrambling to evacuate passengers and provide triage and assistance. The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside state and local responders including the New Orleans Fire Department, Police Department, and Homeland Security, mobilized all available assets to the scene. The Mississippi River was temporarily closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 as the rescue and assessment efforts unfolded. American Cruise Lines confirmed the evacuation of guests and crew and is working closely with authorities, while the Port of New Orleans emphasized that the immediate priority is the safety of all involved. Emergency medical services transported eight patients, with further units on standby, as passengers were brought to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for care. Both Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin were actively involved, with the Governor en route to the scene, underscoring the severity of the developing situation. The cause of the collision and the extent of injuries remain under investigation amidst the ongoing rescue efforts.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
