Search and rescue efforts were underway in New Orleans after a cargo ship struck a docked riverboat with nearly 130 people on board on Friday afternoon, the authorities said.
An asphalt tanker crashed into the riverboat, the American Heritage, around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Kimberly Curth, a spokeswoman for the Port of New Orleans, said in a statement.
The riverboat had been docked for two hours on the Mississippi River outside of 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, Ms. Curth said, and was just beginning to unload passengers.
After the boat was struck, those on board were brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triaging.
Local news video showed a capsized boat leaning against a dock.
A representative for the City of New Orleans said in a statement that search and rescue efforts were ongoing, and that multiple individuals had been rescued.
It was not immediately clear how many people had been rescued or their conditions.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities,” a spokeswoman for American Cruise Lines, which operates the boat, said in a statement. “Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
Gov. Jeff Landry said on social media that his office was aware of the crash and that he was headed to New Orleans.
The American Heritage can accommodate up to 150 guests, according to American Cruise Lines. It has a glass-enclosed restaurant, guest lounges and a fitness center.
“Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved,” the New Orleans statement said. “This remains an active and developing incident.”
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel are on scene, officials said.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for more developments.
