Tanker strikes American Heritage cruise ship in New Orleans river collision

A tanker collided with the American Heritage, an overnight cruise ship, on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon. The ship was left on its side and a major emergency response began, with rescuers working to bring people out of the water.

The cruise ship, operated by American Cruise Lines, had about 129 passengers aboard, as well as crew. It was docked near the port’s administrative building when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck it; an emergency response source said the tanker may have lost power before the collision.