An asphalt tanker has collided with a river cruise liner in New Orleans. 32 people have been taken to hospital. At least 180 passengers and crew members have been saved. All passengers and crew members have been accounted for, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said calling it “a miracle on the Mississippi.”

The Port of New Orleans press secretary said the tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30pm local time. The Governor of Louisiana wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”

A rescue operation was launched. A city spokesperson previously said: “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.”

American Cruise Lines also said in a statement: “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.”

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