In the New Orleans area, the Atlantic asphalt bitumen tanker collided with the river cruise ship American Heritage, which belongs to American Cruise Lines.
At the time of the collision, the ship was docked and unloading passengers after a routine cruise along the Mississippi River.
Due to the damage caused, the river cruiser tilted and began to take on water. Many passengers found themselves in the water after wearing life jackets.
During the rescue operation, 129 passengers were rescued. There are no fatalities. 32 are hospitalized with minor injuries.
Rescue efforts included the New Orleans Fire Department, police departments, port security, medical personnel and the US Coast Guard.
The rescued passengers were taken to the port's administration building. The water temperature in the river is 19 degrees Celsius.
The American Heritage motor ship was built in 2015 and is capable of carrying 150 passengers.