Cruise ship hit by tanker in New Orleans, passengers in water

New Orleans: A tanker struck a New Orleans river cruise carrying more than 100 people on Friday, partially submerging the boat. Rescues were underway on the Mississippi River, officials said.

Videos from the scene showed the much larger boat crash into the paddlewheel cruise ship while it appeared to be docked.

People were seen in the river in life jackets or standing near the railing as the other side of the ship listed further into the water.

The accident happened about 12.30pm on Friday (Saturday AEDT).

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker hit the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage outside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, Port NOLA told The New Post.

Harrowing footage posted to social media showed the cruise ship, believed to be carrying 130 people, nearly sideways in the river. Some people were seen in the river wearing life jackets, while others appeared to cling to the vessel’s railings.

Footage posted on social media showed the cruise ship tipping over on to one side as it began to sink. Rescuers were seen pulling passengers wearing life jackets from the water. Other people were clinging to the side of the ship.

Lt. Stephanie C. Norwood with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services said all agencies are responding for rescue efforts.

Rescuers were at the scene. More to come

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