Tanker collides with moored cruise ship in New Orleans

The collision happened on Friday at around 12:30 local time. According to Rzeczpospolita, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt hit the American Heritage, which is owned by American Cruise Lines, while the cruise ship was docked at the port of New Orleans.

The company said about 129 passengers were on board, not counting crew. TVN24, citing CNN, gives a figure of more than 130. The same report says 12 people ended up in the water.

What happened

Footage broadcast by WDSU, cited by TVN24, shows the moment the tanker pushes the moored ship over onto its side. Reports say the American Heritage had come alongside about two hours earlier to begin disembarking passengers.

Rescue effort

Firefighters from New Orleans, the NOLA Port Police, the New Orleans Police Department and the United States Coast Guard are taking part in the rescue effort.

The reports cited do not give any information about deaths. They also contain no details about the condition of those who ended up in the water, or about the cause of the collision. The passenger numbers differ between sources, so both figures are given.

What we know so far

This story is based on early reports from the day of the incident. Details may change once the authorities publish official information.