A tanker struck a docked river cruise boat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, sending 32 people to hospital. All passengers and crew were accounted for, and none of the injuries was considered critical, officials said.
The Atlantic Asphalt hit the American Heritage at about 12.30pm, roughly two hours after the cruise boat had docked to begin letting passengers off, The Guardian reported. The boat rolled onto its side and several people ended up in the river.
Mayor Helena Moreno said rescuers from multiple agencies helped bring people to safety. Thirty of those reported injured were on the cruise boat; the other two were harbour police officers involved in the rescue, according to the Guardian.
American Cruise Lines, which operates the American Heritage, said its guests and crew were evacuated. The Mississippi was closed to vessel traffic to facilitate rescue efforts.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, BBC reported. Officials said a possible loss of steering on the tanker would be examined, but it had not been confirmed.
