Tanker slams into cruise ship with 129 passengers aboard on the Mississippi River
A nearby gauge recorded Mississippi River water temperatures of 66 degrees around the time of the collision, cold enough for prolonged exposure to cause hypothermia.
Tanker collides with cruise boat in New Orleans
A major emergency response is underway in New Orleans after a tanker collided with a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River. According to Port of New Orleans officials, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage cruise ship around 12:30 p.m. Friday while approximately 129 passengers and additional crew members were on board.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A tanker struck a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, prompting a major emergency response.
- Rescue crews assisted passengers as officials worked to determine injuries and the cause of the collision.
- River water temperatures near 66 degrees posed a hypothermia risk with prolonged exposure.
NEW ORLEANS – A tanker struck a docked cruise ship carrying approximately 129 passengers and additional crew members on the Mississippi River in New Orleans around 12:30 p.m. Friday.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, according to a press release from the Port of New Orleans.
The boat collision occurred on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, where a nearby gauge recorded a water temperature of 66 degrees around the time of the incident on Friday, Nov. 13.
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The Mississippi River’s water temperature was 66 degrees at the nearby Carrollton gauge around the time of the collision, cold enough for prolonged exposure to cause hypothermia, according to NOAA.
The cruise ship had docked approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel responded and conducted rescue and response operations.
Passengers were being brought inside the nearby Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance.
"Multiple individuals have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing. Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved," Jonah Gilmore, Deputy Director of Communications for the Office of Mayor Helena Moreno said.
This is an updating story. Stick with FOX Weather for updates.