Tanker Collides With American Cruise Lines Ship Near Port of New Orleans, Rescues Underway
BREAKING: A massive tanker collided with the American Heritage riverboat while it was docked at the Port of New Orleans on Friday afternoon, sending passengers scrambling and leaving multiple people in the Mississippi River. Emergency crews are on scene right now.
A nightmare scenario unfolded on the Mississippi River Friday afternoon when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker slammed into the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the riverboat was docked at the Port of New Orleans.
The collision happened at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, just as the American Heritage had finished its final voyage and passengers were beginning to disembark.
At the time of impact, there were approximately 129 passengers aboard the ship, in addition to crew members.
Video circulating on social media shows the American Heritage lurching violently to one side after the impact, taking on water rapidly and partially submerging. The images are alarming.
What We Know Right Now
The American Heritage was docked at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place on the Mississippi River. The ship had arrived approximately two hours earlier and was in the middle of passenger disembarkation when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck it.
According to the Port of New Orleans, an “allision” occurred — the technical maritime term used when a moving vessel strikes a stationary one.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that a portion of the Mississippi River has been closed to all vessel traffic as rescue operations continue.
Rescue crews are actively searching for at least 12 people who ended up in the water following the collision.
Who Is Responding
The response has been massive. Multiple agencies descended on the scene within minutes:
The Port NOLA Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, and U.S. Coast Guard are all on the ground conducting active search-and-rescue operations. Emergency medical personnel are also on scene.
Passengers who have been brought to safety are being taken inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, where a triage area has been set up.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s office confirmed that multiple individuals have been rescued, and that search-and-rescue operations are still actively ongoing as of this writing.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed he was personally heading to New Orleans as of 2 p.m. Friday, calling it a serious incident requiring state-level attention.
American Cruise Lines Responds
American Cruise Lines issued a statement confirming the collision and the evacuation of guests and crew:
“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.”
The statement added that the company is working closely with all relevant authorities. The number of injuries and the official cause of the collision have not yet been confirmed.
About the American Heritage
The American Heritage is part of the American Cruise Lines fleet, the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States. American Cruise Lines operates entirely within U.S. waters and is 100% American-owned and operated, with over 25 ships sailing domestic river routes.
The ship was originally known as the Queen of the Mississippi before being acquired by American Cruise Lines and renamed American Heritage.
What Happens Next
This is an active, ongoing situation. Rescue operations are still underway for people in the water. Injuries have not yet been confirmed or tallied. The cause of the collision has not been determined.
The Port of New Orleans has closed a section of the Mississippi River to vessel traffic while emergency operations continue.
We will update this article as new information becomes available. This is a rapidly developing breaking news situation.
