Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene Friday after a tanker crashed into a river cruise in New Orleans (AP)
Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene Friday after a tanker crashed into a river cruise in New Orleans (AP)

A massive rescue operation is underway Friday in New Orleans after an Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with a river cruise ship carrying 129 passengers and crew members, sending the vessel toppling on its side into 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 tanker.