New Orleans Mississippi River Collision
Tanker Strikes Docked River Cruise Ship
On Friday, November 13, 2026, around 12:30 p.m. local time, the ~500-foot Marshall Islands-flagged asphalt tanker Atlantic Asphalt lost control and struck the docked American Cruise Lines paddlewheel riverboat American Heritage amidships on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans (around mile marker 96 / under the Crescent City Connection).
The American Heritage (built 2015, capacity ~150) had docked roughly two hours earlier after an 8-day river cruise and was beginning passenger disembarkation. Approximately 129 passengers plus crew were aboard. After the impact, the cruise ship took on water, listed, and capsized while people were still getting off. Rapid rescues by Harbor Police, Coast Guard, firefighters, EMS, and other vessels pulled people from the water. The first ~87 passengers disembarked before the full capsize.
Rescue boat and responders alongside the capsized American Heritage near the pier (CNN / AP-related Dockside emergency response with the damaged American Heritage and personnel on the pier (Fox 8 / lo Aerial view of the overturned American Heritage with response vessels and the Port of New Orleans pi Responders assisting people in the water near Canal Barge Company vessels after the collision (CNN /
Outcomes:
All passengers and crew were accounted for. No fatalities and no critical injuries. 32 people were hospitalized with non-critical injuries (including two Harbor Police officers). Mayor Helena Moreno and Gov. Jeff Landry described it as a “miracle on the Mississippi.” The river was closed to vessel traffic between miles 93–96; ferry service was suspended. Focus shifted to salvage and reopening. President Trump called Gov. Landry offering support.
Cause:
Officials (including Coast Guard Capt. Melanie Burnham) stated the tanker experienced an apparent loss of steering/control. AIS tracking showed a sharp starboard turn; the crew dropped the port anchor but could not stop the vessel. The ship was under a river pilot and empty, heading upriver to load cargo. Investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB is ongoing. Tracking analysis pointed to possible steering and/or power failure with river current as a factor. No official statements indicate terrorism, sabotage, or cyberattack.
