UPDATE 4:15 pm: "As of right now, we have zero people unaccounted for," Moreno said. The New Orleans mayor called the rescue event "Truly a miracle on the Mississippi," as she announced that there have been no fatalities involved in the event.
Moreno addressed the crisis at a press conference following the collision of a riverboat and tanker on the Mississippi River near the Crescent City Connection.
"Right now we have 32 passengers from the cruise ship who are in our local hospitals, none with any critical injuries," Moreno stated.
"The mayor is right. This is a miracle, a literal miracle on the Mississippi," Governor Jeff Landry said following Moreno's comments. "We had first responders who put their lives on the line."
Landry also stated that the DOTD confirmed that the boat did not hit the bridge.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and that right now, they believe the incident occurred due to a steering malfunction.
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The asphalt collided with a riverboat owned by American Cruise Lines, American Heritage, that has a capacity of 150. Latest reports say that 85 passengers have been accounted for, and it's unclear how many were on the boat at the time of the collision. Rescue boats are on the scene, and embarkment is still underway.
University Hospital has reported that over 2 dozen of the passengers aboard American Heritage are under treatment.
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NOLA READY issued an alert at 3:37 PM that anyone with information on missing persons involved in the crash must call 3-1-1 if you are inside of New Orleans. If you are outside of the city, call 504-539-3266
According to the Port of New Orleans, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the river cruise ship American Heritage around 12:45 p.m.
The cruise ship was offloading passengers when it happened.
Congressman Troy Carter has issued a statement: "I am devastated to hear about the ships crashing near the Port of New Orleans. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the swift rescue of survivors and for all emergency crews responding to the situation."
Over 150 people were on board, and around a dozen reportedly were thrown overboard.
U.S. Coast Guard, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans Police are on the scene, conducting rescue operations.
Ferry routes suspended
The city of New Orleans has announced: "RTA ferry service across the Mississippi River is temporarily suspended as a precaution after a collision involving two vessels. Plan alternate routes."
