'Miracle on Mississippi' - All rescued after cruise ship hit by tanker in New Orleans
A cruise ship named American Heritage capsized in the Mississippi River after colliding with a cargo tanker. All 130 passengers and crew were successfully rescued with no fatalities reported.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a major maritime safety event in a busy commercial waterway, prompting investigations into potential mechanical failures.
Figure caption, Watch: Cruise ship seen sinking after collision with cargo ship in New Orleans
Some 130 people on a cruise ship docked in New Orleans have been rescued after it was struck by a tanker.
The cruise ship, American Heritage, was left lying on its side in the Mississippi River after it was hit by the cargo vessel, Atlantic Asphalt.
The collision left 32 people from the stricken riverboat in hospital with non-critical injuries, but no-one unaccounted for. Officials hailed it as a "miracle on the Mississippi".
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said: "There seems to be some type of a loss of steering."
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno told a news conference that all credit in the rescue effort went to first responders who "literally jumped right in to help".
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Over 100 people aboard cruise ship hit by tanker in New Orleans; injuries unknown, rescue continues, officials say
New Orleans river cruise boat partially sinks after tanker collision, 130 aboard
Tanker Collides With Cruise Ship On Mississippi River In US, Rescue Ops On
Photos and video show a cruise ship sinking after it was struck by a tanker in New Orleans
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