Representation of a tanker on Mississippi River. Photo: Shutterstock An unusual incident occurred today (Friday, November 13) on the Mississippi River in the United States, in the New Orleans area of Louisiana, following a collision between two vessels near the city's port.
The City of New Orleans' emergency preparedness campaign (NOLA Ready) confirmed in an official statement on X that emergency crews were called to the crash. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency responders to do their job, and said more updates would be provided later.
In another update, the city's emergency services said that the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) ferry service across the Mississippi River has been temporarily suspended as a precaution following the collision between the two vessels. Authorities urged passengers to prepare accordingly and plan alternate routes.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also addressed the incident in a statement he posted on his official X Network account, announcing that he was in close contact with local authorities and law enforcement.
"We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now," the governor wrote.
The official announcements published so far have not provided details about the identity of the vessels involved, the circumstances of the collision, the extent of the damage, or the number of casualties, if any.
The Mississippi River is considered one of the main shipping and trade routes in the United States, and the New Orleans area serves as an important hub for the movement of commercial ships, industrial vessels, and passenger ships.
No further official details have been released at this time about the results of the collision. The city's emergency services said they would provide updates later, while ferry service in the area was temporarily suspended as a precaution.