A tanker struck a river cruise on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans Friday, leaving The American Heritage passenger boat on its side and largely submerged in the water. Rescues were underway, officials say.
Video from the scene showed the much larger tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, crash into the paddlewheel cruise boat while it appeared to be docked.Â
The cruise boat was disembarking at the time of the crash, shortly after noon, CBS affiliate WWL-TV reported. The boat had up to 129 people aboard, but some may have already disembarked before the crash.
Some people were seen in the water in life jackets or standing near the railing as the other side of the ship listed further into the water. Nearby boats reported rescuing more than a dozen people from the water.
“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,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said.Â
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
