NEW ORLEANS, LA – A tanker struck a docked river cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines' American Heritage while it was docked. There were about 129 passengers and crew members on board during the incident, according to officials from Port NOLA.
Emergency response teams, including the New Orleans Fire Department and Coast Guard, responded swiftly, initiating search-and-rescue operations. The number of injuries remains unconfirmed, and authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.
This incident follows the historic 1996 crash of the cargo ship Bright Field, which caused substantial damage to the Riverwalk Marketplace and nearby hotels. There is no reported link between the two events.
No fatalities have been reported in either incident. Witnesses reported a significant emergency response at the scene, and the investigation into Friday's collision is ongoing. Further details will be released as officials confirm information.