Mass casualty incident after tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River
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- Asphalt tanker collided with docked cruise ship on Mississippi River in New Orleans Friday, causing mass casualty incident.
- Approximately 129 passengers and crew aboard; at least 12 people in water; rescue operations ongoing with Coast Guard assistance.
Authorities in New Orleans, Louisiana, are responding to a mass casualty incident after an asphalt tanker collided with a docked riverboat cruise ship on the Mississippi River near downtown New Orleans.
According to the Port of New Orleans, the asphalt tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with American Cruise Lines’ riverboat American Heritage at the Port of New Orleans around 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 13.
Approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the cruise vessel at the time of the collision.
The mayor’s office says multiple people have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain underway.
WDSU reports that at least 12 people were in the water following the collision. That figure is preliminary and has not been confirmed by authorities.
Fire crews, fireboats and the U.S. Coast Guard are assisting with the emergency response.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the riverfront area near the Convention Center as rescue operations continue.
This is an active and developing situation.
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