Rescue operations were underway for passengers who were thrown into the water. (WDSU-TV / YouTube screenshot)

An incredible miracle on the Mississippi River occurred yesterday after a devastating accident caused a cruise ship to take on water, and the cause of the incident may have been identified.

As The Gateway Pundit reported, a tanker collided with a river cruise ship called the American Heritage, which was carrying 180 passengers, on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Friday afternoon around 12:30 p.m.

Footage emerged showing passengers clinging on as the riverboat became submerged. Some passengers went overboard and were seen in the water wearing lifejackets.

Tugboat operators, nearby workers, police, and several other rescuers later rushed to the scene to help.

Per New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, a police drone was already airborne for an unrelated theft call when it was redirected to the crash within minutes.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno revealed during a news conference following the incident that 32 people were taken to the hospital, but not a single one had critical injuries.

Two Harbor Police officers were also hospitalized. Per Fox News, they were in good condition.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called it “a literal miracle on the Mississippi.”

“This is a miracle,” Landry said at the same news conference. “The Mississippi River is not some quiet pond, right? I mean, there were challenges out there.”

Officials later explained that the tanker lost control before striking the American Heritage. As Fox News notes, passengers were evacuating when the cruiser began taking on water and capsized.

A possible cause for the incident has also emerged.

Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham explained during the conference that investigators at this time were examining an apparent loss of steering. It will take time for officials to determine the exact cause, however.

A loss of steering would seem to make sense, though when one considers what happened with Microsoft and the American airports, people are sure to raise questions.

As many have speculated, if America were under a series of cyberattacks, would the circumstances really unfold differently?