New Orleans tanker crash: Video shows passengers clinging to The American Heritage cruise ship as it takes on water

A tanker struck The American Heritage near New Orleans, leaving the cruise ship partly submerged as passengers clung to its railings and rescue efforts began.

A river cruise ship was left badly tilted and partly submerged after a tanker struck it on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Friday, November 13. Dramatic footage showed passengers holding on to the vessel as it leaned sharply to one side and began taking on water. Rescue operations were underway following the collision.

A tanker struck The American Heritage near New Orleans, leaving the cruise ship partly submerged as passengers clung to its railings and rescue efforts began. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

The passenger vessel, identified as The American Heritage, reportedly had up to 129 people on board when the incident occurred shortly after noon local time. The tanker involved in the crash was identified as Atlantic Asphalt.

Passengers cling to vessel as it takes on water

Video from the scene showed the much larger tanker hitting the river cruise ship, which appeared to be near the dock when the collision happened. Following the impact, the passenger vessel began turning and leaning heavily to one side, with much of it eventually submerged.

The exact number of people aboard at the time of the crash was not immediately clear. CBS affiliate WWL-TV reported that the cruise ship had a capacity of around 129 passengers. However, some witnesses said several people had already disembarked before the tanker hit.

Louisiana governor responds to collision

Emergency personnel and rescue crews rushed to the scene as efforts continued to bring passengers to safety. The incident prompted a response from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who said he was in contact with local authorities and law enforcement.

"We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now," Landry said.

The collision took place near the Port of New Orleans, along one of the busiest stretches of the Mississippi River. Further details about the circumstances of the crash, the condition of those aboard and the extent of the damage had not been confirmed in the information available at the time of reporting.