(WAFB/Gray News) - Former Baton Rouge resident Devon Flanagan was working along the Mississippi River in New Orleans early Friday afternoon when a tanker reportedly struck the American Heritage river cruise paddleboat.

RELATED: Tanker crashes into river cruiser carrying nearly 150 people near Port of New Orleans, rescues underwayThe American Heritage eventually tipped over, prompting a massive rescue effort.

Flanagan, who now lives in Metairie, Louisiana, said he saw the U.S. Coast Guard and New Orleans search and rescue teams quickly arrive at the scene.