Horrifying video shows passengers clinging onto American Heritage cruise ship after tanker crash

Resumen detallado

Between 180 and 190 passengers were aboard the cruise ship, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said at a Friday news conference

Passengers were filmed clambering over boat rails to get to safety as the American Heritage cruise ship sank.

Every passenger has been accounted for after a frantic rescue mission that left 32 people hospitalised. The U.S. Coastguard has confirmed one was killed in the incident, in what the state's governor is calling the "miracle on the Mississippi".

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker crashed into the side of the American Cruise Lines' American Heritage at around 12:30pm local time. The river cruiser was docked on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans when it was hit.

Footage caught the moment passengers screamed as the ship began falling to its side and sinking rapidly. In other videos circulating on social media, several people are seen in the water wearing life jackets as helicopters fly overhead.

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A video shared on KSLA News 12 showed passengers in lifejackets clinging onto the ship as it continued to take on water. The video was shared at 2.10pm ET time and has had over 300 comments.

The latest statement from the U.S. Coastguard reads: "Working closely with our partners, the USCG has confirmed all passengers are accounted for, with no reported casualties following the collision on the MS River. Our focus now shifts to safely reopening the river and coordinating salvage operations."

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says an American Cruise Line vessel "toppled over and flipped" after a tanker ship navigating the river lost control. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised the quick emergency response to the crash, dubbing it the "miracle on the Mississippi"

The cause of the crash is unclear and the mayor says an investigation is underway, though it appears a "loss of steering" may have been involved.

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