A 520-foot asphalt tanker struck a docked river cruise boat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, November 13, 2026, causing the passenger vessel to roll onto its side and partially submerge. Following a massive multi-agency emergency response, officials confirmed that all approximately 180 passengers and crew members aboard have been accounted for and found alive.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Collision: Around 12:30 p.m. local time, the Atlantic Asphalt—a 520-foot (160-meter) tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands—crashed into the side of the American Heritage while the riverboat was docked near the Port of New Orleans Administration Building.
- The Vessels: The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, is a five-deck riverboat built in 2015 that was wrapping up an eight-day itinerary through Louisiana and Mississippi. Within roughly 15 minutes of impact, the riverboat rolled onto its side toward the open water.
- Rescue & Medical Response: Passengers wearing life jackets were pulled from the 66°F (19°C) river water by nearby vessels, while others climbed onto the upper railings and balconies of the listing ship. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that everyone aboard was safely rescued. Triage was established inside the port administration building, and 32 people were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. No fatalities have been reported.
- Investigation & River Status: The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily closed that stretch of the Mississippi River to vessel traffic. While preliminary emergency response sources noted the tanker may have lost power prior to the crash, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause or whether the tanker was carrying cargo at the time.
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