A large paddle-wheel riverboat carrying 129 people began taking on water in the Mississippi River after a tanker struck it.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was berthed in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was hit by the 520-foot tanker Atlantic Asphalt shortly after noon.
Shocking footage that emerged afterward showed passengers gripping the boat’s railings as the vessel began to tilt dramatically.
In another video, the five-story cruise ship—which can accommodate up to 150 passengers—appeared to be dragged into the river as the tanker moved past it.
Police officers were seen rushing along the dock while frightened passengers cried out.
Other footage showed passengers, several wearing life jackets, swimming toward the dock after falling or being thrown into the water.
Some people could also be seen standing on the exposed side of the listing vessel as they tried to reach safety.
Based on the initial timeline, only about 15 minutes passed between the collision and the riverboat overturning.
Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured, but said several people had been rescued. WDSU reported that 12 people were in the water awaiting rescue.
Authorities have not said whether anyone was injured, although several people were reportedly rescued
Officials said about 129 passengers were aboard the vessel, along with members of the crew
People are shown being assisted out of the water after the collision
A live broadcast of the incident shared by WVUE showed the cruise ship partially submerged in the Mississippi.
Witness Jamie Holford described the scene to WDSU as “surreal,” adding: “It was 15 minutes from impact to the point where it rolled over.”
A spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans said the riverboat was docked when the tanker collided with it.
The spokesperson said the American Heritage had been at the dock for approximately two hours as passengers began disembarking.
Officials said the vessel was carrying roughly 129 passengers in addition to its crew.
A statement said: “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 American Heritage had been completing an eight-day itinerary that visited destinations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
According to the live shipping tracker MarineTraffic, the tanker involved specializes in transporting asphalt and bitumen, a semi-solid material commonly used in road construction and roofing.
MarineTraffic listed New Orleans as the tanker’s final destination and showed that it was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
Passengers in life jackets swim toward the dock while others climb across the side of the damaged vessel
Rescue crews work on the river as what appear to be belongings or debris from the cruise ship float nearby
Passengers cling to the railings of American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage after the collision
The riverboat lies partially submerged in the Mississippi after the crash
American Cruise Lines said in a statement: “American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority said all ferry services across the river had been suspended temporarily because of the collision.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he had been briefed on the incident and was traveling to the scene.
“We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now,” he said.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said emergency responders were dealing with a collision involving a cargo ship and a riverboat near the Port of New Orleans.
“Multiple individuals have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing.
“Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved. This remains an active and developing incident.”
