In New Orleans, USA, the cargo vessel Atlantic Asphalt struck the cruise ship American Heritage, which had 129 passengers and crew members on board. After the collision, the ship listed and partially sank in the Mississippi River, infohub.kz reports.
According to the Port of New Orleans, at the time of the incident there were 129 passengers and crew members on board. As a result of the emergency, 32 people sustained various injuries and were hospitalized. There are no missing persons.
"We have not a single missing person, which is truly a miracle for the Mississippi," New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said at a press conference, thanking the rescuers who "literally rushed to help."
According to her, passengers began to disembark from the ship when it started to list, and then capsized on its side.
The exact cause of the collision is under investigation. U.S. Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said that "there may have been some loss of control."
It is noted that the American Heritage was completing an eight-day cruise on the Mississippi River, passing through Louisiana and Mississippi. The ship, with a capacity of up to 150 guests, features a restaurant, fitness center, and three guest lounges.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social that the rescue operation was "incredible work." He thanked the Coast Guard, law enforcement, and rescuers involved in the aftermath of the accident, as well as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
"Hard to believe, but as a result of this serious collision, no one died. 32 people are in the hospital," the American leader wrote.