Tanker collides with docked New Orleans cruise ship, leaving it partially submerged

HOUSTON: A tanker ship collided with a river cruise boat docked in New Orleans on Friday with approximately 130 passengers onboard, leaving the pleasure vessel partially submerged, the cruise line and local media reported.

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser told NBC affiliate WDSU by phone that at least 12 people were pulled from the water, but he did not have complete information on the rescue operation.

TV images showed the cruise boat, the American Heritage operated by American Cruise Lines, listing before it came to rest on its side in shallow water in the Mississippi River.

Passengers could be seen on the boat's deck as it tipped over.

"American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage, was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans," the company said in a statement.

"Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved," it said, without offering any details about the condition of the passengers and crew.

The Mississippi River was closed to vessel traffic in the area of the incident.

It was not immediately clear why the tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, collided with the river cruiser, which had docked about two hours before the collision.

Firefighters, police, port officials, the Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel were all on the scene.

Port officials said in a statement cited by local media that the number of injuries was not yet confirmed.

"Praying for a successful rescue mission by the dedicated first responders on the scene near the Port of New Orleans, and for the health and safety of all passengers affected," said Louisiana congresswoman and senator-elect Julia Letlow. --AFP