NEW ORLEANS — Federal, state and local agencies are responding to a boat collision on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. An oil tanker collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, prompting a massive search and rescue response. Here’s everything we know as emergency services work to find the missing. Related Links: Mississippi River Cruise Line Collision: What We Know Amid Rescues and Mass ResponseSee the moment a tanker truck crashed into a cruise ship in New Orleans, prompting rescues. Video captures first responders rescuing people from the frigid Mississippi River after a tanker truck crashed into a cruise ship. Nearly 30 years after the Bright Field accident, another collision hits the New Orleans Riverfront. The current water temperature of the Mississippi River could cause hypothermia as rescues continue. collided with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked in the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The American Heritage had docked approximately two hours earlier to begin disembarking passengers, according to Port NOLA. VIDEO: Watch the moment a tanker truck crashed into a cruise ship docked in New Orleans. At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, plus crew members, were aboard the American Heritage. Port NOLA Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel are on scene conducting rescue and response operations. VIDEO: Watch people being rescued from frigid Mississippi According to port officials, river passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, for triage and assistance. “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 collision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed,” the Port issued a news release. The accident occurred near Crescent City Connection on the New Orleans side. More than a dozen hospitalized: According to city officials, more than a dozen people have been taken to area hospitals after the collision. Rescues are underway and at least 12 people are missing at this time. VIDEO: Live view outside University Medical Center amid massive response to cruise ship collision: LCMC Health issued the following statement regarding the treatment of patients involved in the cruise line collision: “University Medical Center New Orleans and other LCMC Health hospitals have received approximately two dozen patients following the reported maritime incident. Our medical teams are currently evaluating patients and providing appropriate care while coordinating with emergency services. As this remains an active situation, we will provide additional information as appropriate.” Boat accident in New Orleans, according to a senior White House official. New Orleans officials respond: Mayor Helena Moreno issued the following statement: “Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a freighter and a river cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. Several people have been rescued and search and rescue operations remain ongoing. 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.” en route to New Orleans, and issued the following statement: “We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement authorities. I am now headed to New Orleans.” American Cruise Lines issues a statement: “American Cruise Lines can confirm that our river ship, American Heritage, was involved in a collision while 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.” Coast Guard issues partial river closure: The U.S. Coast Guard issued the following statement regarding the response: “The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with local response partners, is responding to a vessel collision involving a tanker truck and a cruise ship near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River.” Services across the Mississippi River have been temporarily suspended as a precaution following a collision involving two vessels. Hotels for passengers: Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is working to secure 85 hotel rooms for passengers affected by the cruise ship collision. Resources for the Coast Guard: Congressman Steve Scalise spoke with WDSU live on television about the federal resources made available to the United States Coast Guard in the midst of a search and rescue operation on the river. Homeland Security Response: Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued the following statement regarding resources for the search and rescue response in New Orleans: “The United States Coast Guard is supporting the state of Louisiana and our local partners in responding to a vessel collision near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River. We are using every resource we have to help rescue the missing passengers. The Department of Homeland Security is coordinating closely with the state of Louisiana. Our prayers are with all those affected by this terrible incident. tragedy.”
