New Orleans cruise ship collision: Dispatch audio gives a glimpse into initial chaotic moments

New dispatch audio gives a glimpse into the chaotic moment a cruise ship was struck by a tanker in the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday.

The Details

Broadcastify captured the dispatch calls between emergency officials as first responders mobilized to help with search and rescue efforts.

"Watercraft in distress, 1384 New Orleans Place," said an automated voice on the dispatch call.

A dispatch operator then could be heard calling for assistance from New Orleans officials.

"There is a green vessel; we have three tugboats en route and ships around it," the operator said. "It's under the Crescent City Connection behind the Convention Center."

Another first responder could be heard naming the impacted cruise ship, the American Heritage.

"It's a river cruiser named the American Heritage. It's definitely taking on water," the first responder said.

All passengers aboard the American Heritage have been accounted for after a tanker struck the docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, in what officials called "A Miracle on the Mississippi."

About 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard when the Atlantic Asphalt struck the ship at about 12:30 p.m., according to Port NOLA. LCMC Health is treating 32 injured passengers.

Others who were not hospitalized were given hotel rooms by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.

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