A tanker collided with a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, with at least 12 people reported in the water.

Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Emergency crews launched a rescue operation Friday after a tanker collided with a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, with at least 12 people reported in the water.

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck American Cruise Lines' American Heritage riverboat at approximately 12:30 p.m., port officials said.

About 129 passengers, along with an unspecified number of crew members, were aboard the American Heritage, WDSU-TV in New Orleans reported.

The riverboat had docked approximately 2 hours earlier to begin disembarking passengers. Emergency crews were searching for 12 people reported in the water.

Passengers were being brought to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for medical evaluation and assistance.

American Cruise Lines confirmed the collision in a statement to WGNO-TV in New Orleans, saying the company was coordinating with the Coast Guard and local authorities.

The company said guests and crew members were evacuated and that its immediate priority was the safety of everyone involved.

"Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders," the Port of New Orleans said in a statement obtained by WDSU.

Port officials said the number of injuries had not been confirmed and that investigators had not determined what caused the collision.

The port also advised vessels in the area to avoid the affected section of the Mississippi River while emergency crews continued their response.