Source: River cruiser carrying nearly 150 passengers taking on water near Port of New Orleans, rescue efforts underway

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Port of New Orleans press secretary says a tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m. today.

At the time of the collision there were about 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, aboard the American Heritage, Port NOLA said.

The cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided into it, Port NOLA said.

The ship docked two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, Port NOLA said.

Emergency response teams are conducting rescue and response operations. Passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, Port NOLA said.

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