Breaking: Tanker and cruise ship collide in the US - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The tanker crashed into a river cruiser in New Orleans on Friday local time. (The Advocate via AP: Enan Chediak)

A tanker has collided with a river cruise boat docked near the port of New Orleans with more than 100 passengers onboard, leaving the pleasure vessel partially submerged.

Local media reported that a rescue operation was underway to rescue the 130 passengers.

CBS affiliate WAFB showed images of the cruise boat, the American Heritage operated by American Cruise Lines, in the water, and passengers could be seen on the boat's deck as it tipped over.

The search and rescue operation is underway. (The Advocate via AP: Enan Chediak)

It was not immediately clear why the tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, collided with the river cruiser.