At least 180 passengers and crew members were rescued after a tanker collided with a river cruise boat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
The American Heritage cruise boat, owned by American Cruise Lines, was moored when it was struck by the tanker on Friday, causing the passenger boat to become partially submerged.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that all passengers were safely accounted for, with 32 taken to the hospital. Fortunately, none sustained serious injuries.
Moreno referred to the event as a “miracle on the Mississippi.”
Cruise Boat Took on Water
The American Heritage was carrying 129 passengers and crew members when it began taking on water during the evacuation, according to Melanie Montroll, Ports of New Orleans Chief Public Safety and Emergency Management Officer.
Video footage from the crash scene shows crew members rescuing passengers from the water, some wearing lifejackets, with luggage floating nearby.
“We had a well coordinated rescue effort, with many emergency partners assisting in saving those in the water,” Montroll added.
Two Officers Hospitalized
Two police officers who jumped into the water during the emergency response also fell in and were taken to the hospital.
American Cruise Lines is collaborating with the US Coast Guard and local authorities. All passengers and crew members have been successfully evacuated from the boat, though concerns remain for those involved.
Section of River Closed
After the collision, vessel traffic was restricted on part of the Mississippi River.
“We closed the river between mile markers 93 and 96 and are working to reopen it,” said US Coast Guard Lieutenant Krystal Wolfe.
The tanker measured about 160 meters in length, nearly double that of the 81 meter cruise boat, according to MarineTraffic.
Cruise Boat on Eight Day Journey
The American Heritage is a five story cruise boat built in 2015, capable of carrying up to 150 passengers. It was on an eight day cruise, visiting various locations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Eye witnesses reported chaos at the scene, with other boats and crews assisting in the rescue.
Despite the severity of the collision, all individuals on board were accounted for. This incident has been recognized as an extraordinary rescue, with at least 180 people saved following the crash in New Orleans.