A tanker collided with a river cruise boat carrying about 129 passengers and crew on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, prompting an emergency evacuation and a major search-and-rescue operation.
The Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, at about 12.30pm local time near 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The passenger vessel had docked roughly two hours earlier as travellers began disembarking.
Video from the scene showed the larger tanker hitting the paddlewheel boat, which appeared to be alongside the port. The American Heritage was partially submerged and listing heavily, while people could be seen in life jackets and near the vessel’s railings. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-tanker-river-cruise-rescue-passengers-757bed7a70ceb72f0d7140143fe2a764))
Multiple people were rescued, according to communications staff for New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno, while emergency teams continued working at the scene. Passengers were taken into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for safety and assistance.
American Cruise Lines said guests and crew had been evacuated and that it was co-operating with the US Coast Guard and local authorities.
“We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities,” the company said. “Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved.”
The Coast Guard said it was responding with local agencies near mile marker 96. The stretch of river between mile markers 93 and 96 was closed to vessel traffic while officials assessed the collision and carried out rescue operations.
The tanker was later reported immobilised with tugboats positioned on either side. An officer at the scene told Axios he believed the riverboat had rolled into the water. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/11/13/new-orleans-cruise-ship-tanker-strike))
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services lieutenant Stephanie C. Norwood said all agencies were responding to the rescue effort. Information about injuries and the cause of the collision was not immediately available. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-tanker-river-cruise-rescue-passengers-757bed7a70ceb72f0d7140143fe2a764))
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and was travelling to New Orleans.
