Multiple agencies are responding to a boat crash on the Mississippi River.
At 12:30 p.m., the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place.
The American Heritage had docked approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, according to Port NOLA.
At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the American Heritage.
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, conducting rescue and response operations.
Passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, for triage and assistance, according to Port officials.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders. This remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the allision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed,” the Port issued a news release.
The crash happened near the Crescent City Connection on the Jefferson Parish side.
