A serious collision occurred between an Atlantic Asphalt tanker and an American Cruise Lines vessel in New Orleans, leaving multiple people injured. The cruise ship, carrying 129 passengers and crew, was knocked onto its side in the Mississippi River. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time in a busy area of the riverfront, near the Convention Center. This location is frequented by tourists and surrounded by hotels and restaurants.
Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser reported that around 3:50 p.m. EST, initial reports indicated that 85 people had been rescued and treated at the Port of New Orleans, where the cruise ship was docked. Authorities believe everyone on board, potentially as many as 130 people, has been accounted for. Fortunately, there has been no confirmed loss of life. Nungesser also stated that he was working to secure 85 hotel rooms for affected passengers.
The cruise ship had arrived at the dock two hours earlier and was preparing to disembark passengers when the tanker struck. Video footage showed the larger tanker colliding with the cruise ship while it was still docked. As the vessel started to list, passengers could be seen in life jackets in the water or clinging to the ship's railing. The Regional Transit Authority suspended ferry services across the Mississippi River following the incident as a precaution.
By 2:10 p.m. local time, multiple rescues had been carried out, with passengers brought to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for assistance. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced he was aware of the incident and was en route to New Orleans by 2 p.m. City officials planned to address the media at 4:30 p.m. EST. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
This incident could be the most severe accident in that area of the Mississippi River since 1996, when a cargo ship collided with the Riverwalk Marketplace shopping mall, resulting in 66 injuries. The collision occurred in a busy area of the riverfront, near the Convention Center, frequented by tourists and surrounded by hotels and restaurants.
More than a dozen people were taken to hospitals on Friday following the collision. The passengers and crew were provided assistance at the Port of New Orleans Administration Building. The authorities are still working to determine the cause of the incident and to ensure that all passengers and crew receive the necessary support.
The incident is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The safety of the passengers and crew is the top priority, and the authorities are working to ensure that everyone affected receives the necessary assistance.
Key points
- No loss of life reported
- 129 passengers and crew on board
- Over a dozen people hospitalized
