Tanker hits docked cruise ship with more than 125 passengers; rescues underway

A tanker struck a docked cruise ship carrying about 129 passengers on the Mississippi River Friday, according to local reports.The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m.outside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, WDSU reported.“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders,” Port NOLA said in a news release seen by the outlet.

“This remains an active and evolving incident.The number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed.”Emergency crews were still conducting rescue and response operations, while passengers were being taken inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance, according to the report.The cruise ship had docked about two hours earlier to let passengers disembark.“American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage, was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans,” the cruise line told The Post.“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.”...