An American Cruise Lines riverboat was struck by a tanker that reportedly lost control while docked along the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, November 13, prompting an emergency response and the evacuation of passengers and crew.
The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck American Heritage, according to the Port of New Orleans.
Approximately 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard the riverboat at the time of the collision.
The Mississippi River’s water temperature was approximately 66 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a risk of hypothermia for anyone who entered the water, particularly with prolonged exposure.
According to reports, 12 cruise passengers ended up in the Mississippi River during the collision, while 32 people are being treated in local hospitals with minor injuries.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser told local media outlets that the city of New Orleans will provide 85 hotel rooms tonight for passengers involved in the incident.
The vessel was docked outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place and had arrived approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation.
Emergency crews responded to reports that the riverboat was taking on water following the impact.
Photographs reported by news outlets appeared to show American Heritage lying on its side after the collision.
Passengers were brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building as emergency response teams conducted rescue operations.
The United States Coast Guard released a statement saying: “Due to ongoing maritime rescue operations, Algiers Point is closed to all vessel traffic from MM96 to MM93, until further notice.”
American Cruise Lines Issues Statement
American Cruise Lines confirmed the collision in a statement provided to Cruise Radio, saying passengers and crew had been evacuated from the vessel.
“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.”
The cruise line did not provide details about possible injuries or the extent of the damage to the riverboat.
Preliminary reports suggested the tanker may have lost power before striking the docked vessel, although authorities have not confirmed the cause of the collision.
New Orleans emergency officials advised the public to avoid the area while response operations continued.
About American Heritage
American Heritage is a 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines. Built in 2015, the 300-foot vessel previously sailed as Queen of the Mississippi.
The U.S.-flagged riverboat operates Mississippi River cruises, including itineraries departing from New Orleans.
The collision occurred while American Heritage was docked for passenger disembarkation rather than navigating the Mississippi River.
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not released a confirmed injury count or provided a complete assessment of the damage.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
No large ocean-going cruise ships were scheduled to be in New Orleans on Friday, although Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Valor, and Crystal’s Crystal Symphony are scheduled to arrive Saturday and could face delays if the river closure remains in place.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
