Tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River in New Orleans

Large emergency response underway to rescue people from the water, with overnight cruise ship on its side

• New Orleans river collision - latest updates

A tanker collided with an overnight cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, prompting an emergency effort to rescue people from the water, according to officials.

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with American Cruise Lines' American Heritage at about 12.30pm, said Kimberly Curth, the Port of New Orleans press secretary, in a statement. The American Heritage had about 129 passengers - in addition to crew members - onboard when it was hit, according to Curth.