Emergency crews responding to collision involving riverboat and tanker near Port of New Orleans

(ABC) — Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a docked riverboat and a tanker on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, officials said Friday.

Approximately 129 passengers plus crew members were on board the riverboat, American Heritage, when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with it, according to the Port of New Orleans.

The tanker struck the riverboat broadside and hard, sources said. The docked cruise ship capsized and is actively sinking, and rescues are underway in the water, the sources said.

The collision occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time Friday, according to the Port of New Orleans. The riverboat had docked approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, it said.

The number of injuries and cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed, according to the Port of New Orleans, saying in a statement, “This remains an active and evolving incident.”

“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” American Cruise Lines, the riverboat’s operator, said in a statement.

Multiple agencies, including the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, are on scene conducting rescue and response operations, officials said.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he is heading to New Orleans.

“We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement,” he said on social media.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.