Massive rescue effort underway after tanker crashes into New Orleans riverboat with 129 passengers on board

A massive rescue operation is underway Friday in New Orleans after a tanker collided with a river cruise ship carrying 129 passengers and crew members, sending the vessel partially underwater in the Mississippi River.The collision involving American Cruise Lines' American Heritage occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time Friday near the Port of New Orleans, according to port officials. The cruise ship was docked along the riverfront outside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building when it was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt tanker.“Emergency crews are responding to a vessel collision near the Port of New Orleans. Avoid the area and allow responders to work. Updates to follow,” city officials said in an alert shortly after 2:30 p.m.The cruise ship arrived at the dock about two hours earlier and was preparing to disembark passengers when the collision occurred. There were 129 passengers aboard, in addition to crew members, according to the Port of New Orleans, WVUE reports.Video from the scene showed the much larger tanker striking the paddlewheel cruise ship while it appeared to be docked. As the vessel began listing and sinking further into the Mississippi River, people wearing life jackets could be seen in the water or gathered along the ship's railing.Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene Friday after a tanker crashed into a river cruise in New Orleans (AP)Multiple people had been rescued by around 2:10 p.m., according to the New Orleans mayor's communications team. Search-and-rescue efforts remained underway as emergency responders worked to account for everyone aboard.Passengers were being brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, where they could receive assistance, port officials said.Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and was heading to New Orleans as of 2 p.m.The collision occurred along a busy stretch of the riverfront near the city's Convention Center, between the Central Business District and Warehouse District. The area is popular with tourists and is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and shopping destinations. Nearby attractions include a shopping mall, a riverfront park and the Audubon Aquarium.The incident could mark the most serious accident along that stretch of the Mississippi River since 1996, when a cargo ship collided with the Riverwalk Marketplace shopping mall, injuring 66 people.This is a developing story.