At least 13 hospitalized after tanker crashes into NOLA riverboat carrying 129 passengers and crew, sparking rescue effort
Collision at the port
The collision took place along the riverfront near the city's Convention Center, between the Central Business District and Warehouse District. The surrounding area includes hotels, restaurants and shopping destinations, as well as a riverfront park and the Audubon Aquarium.
Rescue and medical response
By about 2:10 p.m. local time, multiple people had been rescued, according to the mayor's communications team. Port officials said passengers were brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for assistance.
Officials assess those aboard
Nungesser said authorities believed everyone aboard had been accounted for, though he noted that officials had not confirmed it. He said the number could reach 130 people, despite the port's report that 129 passengers and crew were aboard.
Leaders arrive at scene
The incident could be the most serious accident on that stretch of the Mississippi River since 1996. That year, a cargo ship struck the Riverwalk Marketplace shopping mall, injuring 66 people.
Key points
- An Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage near the Port of New Orleans around 12:30 p.m. Friday.
- The cruise vessel carried 129 passengers and crew, according to the Port of New Orleans.
- At least 13 people were taken to local hospitals; initial estimates said 85 had been rescued and treated at the port.
- Officials had not confirmed everyone was accounted for, but Nungesser said authorities believed they had located everyone aboard.