A huge paddle wheel pleasure boat with 129 people on board started sinking into the Mississippi River after being struck by a tanker.
The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked on the river in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was struck by the 520-foot long Atlantic Asphalt shortly after midday.
Disturbing images have since emerged showing passengers aboard the cruise line holding on to railings for their lives as the ship started to capsize.
In another horrific video, the cruise ship, which is five stories tall and can hold 150 passengers, was seen being pulled into the water as the tanker scraped past it.
Police officers could be seen running along the dock as terrified passengers screamed out.
In another, passengers, some in their life vests, were seen swimming back to the dock after being thrown into the water.
As they swam, others could be seen standing upright on what was once the starboard of the ship as they too attempted to make their way back to shore.
Officials were expected to give a press conference but it has been pushed back, officials are still trying to workout a headcount of those who managed to make it out of the water as those who made it back to shore have been sent to a number of hospitals.
It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the incident, authorities said that multiple people have already been rescued following the incident.
According to initial timelines available, from the boat being hit to capsizing took all of 15 minutes.
It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the incident, authorities said that multiple people have already been rescued
According to officials, there were approximately 129 passengers onboard the ship in addition to crew members
People are seen here being helped out of the water following the crash
The tanker involved had a final destination in New Orleans, according to MarineTraffic, and was sailing under a flag for the Marshall Islands
A live feed of the incident published by WVUE showed the cruise line half submerged in the water.
One witness Jamie Holford told WDSU: ‘Surreal, that´s what that was. Fifteen minutes from impact to where it rolled over.’
A spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans said that the river cruiser was docked at the time when the tanker collided into it.
The ship had been docked for two hours at the time of the smash in order to begin passenger disembarkation, the spokesperson said.
According to officials, there were approximately 129 passengers onboard the ship in addition to crew members.
A statement continued: ‘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 allision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed.’
The American Heritage was finishing an eight-day cruise to several Mississippi River destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The tanker involved in the crash specializes in carrying large quantities of asphalt and bitumen, a semi-solid substance that is often used for road construction and roofing, according to the live shipping tracker MarineTraffic.
It had a final destination in New Orleans, according to MarineTraffic, and was sailing under a flag for the Marshall Islands.
Emergency crews are seen here next to the capsized ship on Friday
Passengers are seen here swimming back to shore in life vests, while others scramble over the side of the ship
Rescue teams are seen on the river on Friday, what appears to be items from the cruise are floating in the water
Disturbing photos show people clinging to the railings of American Cruise Lines American Heritage
The ship is seen here half submerged in the waters of the Mississippi river following the collision
American Cruise Lines said in a statement: ‘American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was 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.’
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has announced that due to the collision all ferry services across the river have been temporarily suspended.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has confirmed that he is aware of the incident and is heading to the scene.
He said: ‘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.’
Mayor Helena Moreno said in a statement: ‘Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans.
‘Multiple individuals 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.’
