New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno announced that at least 180 passengers and crew members were rescued after a paddlewheel riverboat sank in the Mississippi River when it was struck by an oil tanker that had lost control.
Footage from the scene showed the tanker, Atlantic Asphalt, which was significantly larger than the tourist boat, crashing into the vessel while it was docked, amid the sound of shattering metal and glass.
Tugboat crews and workers nearby, along with police officers and others, rushed to assist with the rescue operation. Moreno described the incident as a miracle on the Mississippi River.
The mayor said 32 people were taken to hospital for treatment, but none had critical injuries.
Footage from the scene showed the tanker, Atlantic Asphalt, which was significantly larger than the tourist boat, crashing into the vessel while it was docked, amid the sound of shattering metal and glass.
Tugboat crews and workers nearby, along with police officers and others, rushed to assist with the rescue operation. Moreno described the incident as a miracle on the Mississippi River.
The mayor said 32 people were taken to hospital for treatment, but none had critical injuries.
