Cruise ship capsizes on Mississippi River after freighter collision; 180 rescued

A freighter collided with a cruise ship on the Mississippi River near New Orleans on Friday, capsizing the passenger vessel and sending more than 30 people to hospital, with no deaths reported.

Authorities said at least 180 passengers and crew were rescued after the cargo vessel Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Cruise Lines paddlewheel boat while it was docked. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno described the outcome as "a miracle on the Mississippi," adding that none of those hospitalised had critical injuries.

The cruise ship, built in 2015, is five storeys tall and can hold up to 150 passengers. It was completing an eight-day cruise to several Mississippi River destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi when the collision occurred.

American Cruise Lines said in a statement that "guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved."

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was travelling to New Orleans. US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said his department was coordinating closely with state officials and was "throwing every asset we have to helping rescue missing passengers."