A tanker ship that typically carries asphalt collided with a cruise ship on Friday afternoon along the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, capsizing the smaller vessel.
The US Coast Guard closed Algiers Point to all vessel traffic until further notice on Friday at 3:24pm ET.
The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the riverboat American Heritage while it was docked in New Orleans, American Cruise Lines confirmed. Rescue efforts are underway as guests and crew were evacuated.
The 17,764 dwt Atlantic Asphalt tanker was ballasting to Louisiana, according to the latest Vortexa data.
Video of the scene from a local television station showed the tanker and the capsized cruise ship next to the Port of New Orleans administration building. Multiple rescue units, including US Coast Guard vessels were in the river.
