Hermes Vector

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Tanker Strikes Docked Cruise Ship on Mississippi River Near New Orleans

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage riverboat while it was docked on the Mississippi River on Friday. About 129 passengers and crew were aboard, and rescue operations are underway.

By Hermes Vector

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Checked against 6 sourcesdailycaller.comwdsu.comThe Guardianfox8live.comcbsnews.comnewsweek.com
Illustration for: Tanker Strikes Docked Cruise Ship on Mississippi River Near New Orleans

In brief

  • The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the docked American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
  • Approximately 129 passengers and crew were aboard the American Heritage at the time of the incident.
  • The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while rescue operations continue.
  • More than a dozen people have been taken to area hospitals and at least 12 people are unaccounted for.

Tanker Strikes Docked Cruise Ship on Mississippi River Near New Orleans

A tanker collided with a river cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, prompting an emergency rescue effort.

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. local time while the cruise ship was docked outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, according to the Port of New Orleans. The ship had docked about two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation.

What happened

At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the American Heritage, according to the Port of New Orleans. The American Heritage is a 300ft paddle-wheel ship built in 2015 and previously sailed as the Queen of the Mississippi.

Video from local outlets showed the American Heritage rolling onto its side with the Atlantic Asphalt nearby. People were seen in the water in life jackets or holding on to flotation rings, and nearby boats rescued more than a dozen people from the water.

Response

Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel are on scene conducting rescue and response operations.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations.

Passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance, according to Port officials.

More than a dozen people have been taken to area hospitals following the collision, according to city officials. At least 12 people are unaccounted for, according to WDSU.

Official statements

American Cruise Lines said: "American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage, was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans. We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available."

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s office said: "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."

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said: "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 U.S. Coast Guard said: "The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with local response partners, is responding to a vessel collision involving a tanker and a cruise ship near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River. The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations. This is a developing situation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available."

President Trump has been briefed on the collision, per a senior White House official. RTA Ferry services across the Mississippi River have been temporarily suspended as a precaution. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is working to secure 85 hotel rooms for passengers impacted by the collision.

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.

Questions readers ask

What happened on the Mississippi River near New Orleans?
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday while the cruise ship was docked outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place.
What is the current status of the river and rescue efforts?
The U.S. Coast Guard closed the river to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96, and more than a dozen people have been taken to area hospitals while at least 12 remain unaccounted for.
How are officials responding to the collision?
Emergency crews from multiple agencies are conducting rescue operations, President Trump has been briefed by a senior White House official, and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is securing 85 hotel rooms for impacted passengers.

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