Freighter hits cruise ship on the Mississippi near New Orleans
A cargo vessel, the Atlantic Asphalt, struck a docked paddlewheel cruise ship carrying about 130 people near the port of New Orleans in the US. Rescue operations are under way, and there is no word yet on injuries or deaths.
A cargo vessel, the Atlantic Asphalt, collided on Friday with a docked paddlewheel cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the port of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. About 130 people were on the passenger vessel. Footage shows the cruise boat capsizing after the impact, and rescue teams were seen pulling people in life jackets out of the water.
Authorities have not yet said whether anyone was injured or killed. Rescue operations were still under way.
The ship's operator, American Cruise Lines, said in a statement that guests and crew had been evacuated and that the company was deeply concerned for everyone involved.
Local witness Devon Flanagan described the scene to the news agency AP as chaos. He said ships of various kinds, including other barges and companies, had come to help, which added some confusion because people were still in the water.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry wrote on X that he was on his way to New Orleans. He said officials were aware of the incident on the Mississippi and were in close contact with local officials and law enforcement.
