A large paddle-wheel riverboat carrying 129 people began taking on water in the Mississippi River after a tanker struck it.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was moored in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was hit by the 520-foot tanker Atlantic Asphalt shortly after noon.
Dramatic footage emerging from the scene showed passengers gripping the boat’s railings as the vessel began to list and capsize.
In another video, the five-story cruise ship—which can accommodate up to 150 passengers—appeared to be dragged into the river as the tanker passed alongside it.
Police officers were seen rushing along the dock while frightened passengers cried out for help.
Other footage showed passengers, some wearing life jackets, swimming toward the dock after being thrown into the water.
Several others could be seen standing on the exposed side of the boat as they tried to reach safety onshore.
Initial reports indicated that the American Heritage went from being struck to capsizing in approximately 15 minutes.
Authorities had not confirmed whether anyone was injured, but said multiple people had been rescued from the river.
Officials had not confirmed any injuries, while several people were reportedly rescued after the collision
Officials said the vessel was carrying about 129 passengers, along with members of its crew
People were helped from the water following the collision
A live broadcast of the incident by WVUE showed the cruise vessel partially submerged in the Mississippi.
Witness Jamie Holford told WDSU: “Surreal—that’s what it was. It went from impact to rolling over in 15 minutes.”
A spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans said the riverboat was docked when the tanker collided with it.
The spokesperson said the American Heritage had been at the dock for about two hours as passengers began disembarking when the crash occurred.
Officials said approximately 129 passengers were aboard, in addition to the vessel’s crew.
The statement added: “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 American Heritage had been completing an eight-day cruise visiting destinations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
MarineTraffic, a live shipping tracker, identified the tanker as a vessel designed to transport large amounts of asphalt and bitumen—a semi-solid material commonly used in roadbuilding and roofing.
The tanker was bound for New Orleans and was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, according to MarineTraffic.
Passengers in life jackets swam toward the shore as others climbed over the side of the damaged vessel
Rescue crews worked on the river as apparent debris from the cruise ship floated nearby
Passengers were pictured holding tightly to the railings of American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage
The American Heritage was shown partially submerged in the Mississippi after the collision
American Cruise Lines said in a statement: “American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority said all ferry services across the river had been temporarily halted because of the collision.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he had been briefed on the incident and was traveling to the scene.
He said: “We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now.”
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said emergency responders were dealing with a collision between a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise vessel near the Port of New Orleans.
“Multiple individuals have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing,” she said.
“Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved. This remains an active and developing incident.”