New Orleans tanker crashes into riverboat carrying 129 passengers; people missing

NEW ORLEANS - A tanker collided with an American Cruise Lines riverboat carrying about 129 passengers and additional crew members while it was docked in New Orleans on Friday, prompting evacuations and an ongoing search-and-rescue operation. 

According to WDSU, more than a dozen people were reportedly taken to local hospitals. The outlet also reported that there were people unaccounted for, and the city of New Orleans sent a text alert at 3:34 p.m. local time telling people to call 504-539-3266 for information on "missing persons potentially involved in today's river collision."

Dig deeper:

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage around 12:30 p.m. on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, FOX 8 reported, citing the Port of New Orleans.

Multiple people have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said. 

The American Heritage had docked about two hours before the collision to begin letting passengers off, according to port officials. Emergency teams were conducting rescue and response operations, and passengers were being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building.

What they're saying:

American Cruise Lines confirmed the collision and said guests and crew were evacuated.

"We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities," the company said in a statement to FOX Television Stations. "Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved."

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and was heading to New Orleans as of 2 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was responding alongside local agencies to the collision near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River. The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while crews assessed the situation and conducted response operations, according to Coast Guard Lt. Krystal Wolfe.

What we don't know:

It's not clear how many people are injured or missing. It's also not known what caused the crash. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates. 

The Source: Information in this story came from the Port of New Orleans, Mayor Helena Moreno and Gov. Jeff Landry. Additional information came from an American Cruise Lines statement confirming the collision, evacuations and coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. This story was reported from Los Angeles.