The Atlantic Asphalt tanker hit the American Heritage on the Mississippi River on Nov. 13, 2026. All passengers and crew were accounted for, and 32 people were hospitalized with non-critical injuries.
A tanker struck a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, capsizing the vessel and prompting a major rescue operation.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Heritage, an American Cruise Lines paddlewheeler, at about 12:30 p.m. while the riverboat was tied up at the Port of New Orleans. The ship had been at the dock roughly two hours and was beginning to let passengers off.
Port NOLA said 192 people were aboard the American Heritage. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said there were between 180 and 190 people aboard. The vessel can carry up to 150 guests.
After the impact, the riverboat started to sink and then toppled over, leaving people in the water. Passengers were brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance.
Thirty-two passengers were taken to local hospitals, and none of those injuries were critical, according to Mayor Moreno. All passengers and crew were accounted for, and no fatalities were reported.
"Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. Multiple individuals have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing. Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved. This remains an active and developing incident," Moreno said.
Moreno called the outcome "a miracle on the Mississippi."
Responders included Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel. The Coast Guard sent small boats, cutters and helicopters to the search and rescue effort.
The cause of the collision is not known. Moreno said there appeared to be "some sort of loss of steering." The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The NTSB launched a Go Team set to arrive Saturday morning, Nov. 14.
The Coast Guard closed the river to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96, a roughly three-mile stretch. The RTA’s cross-river ferry service was suspended, and a festival held near the riverfront was called off for the day.
American Cruise Lines said in a statement that it is "grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard, our crew, and the local first responders on the ground in New Orleans for their tremendous rescue efforts." The company said it is getting everyone who was aboard settled into hotels and is coordinating with the Coast Guard, New Orleans Police and other agencies.
The incident involved a major passenger vessel on one of the nation’s busiest rivers, required a multi-agency rescue response, and resulted in a river closure while authorities investigate the cause.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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