Cargo tanker collides with docked cruise boat on Mississippi River, no deaths reported
A cargo tanker struck the American Heritage cruise vessel in New Orleans, injuring at least 32 people but leaving all 180 passengers unharmed, according to officials.
A cargo tanker named Atlantic Asphalt lost control and collided with the docked American Heritage river cruiser operated by American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi River in New Orleans at about 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday. The impact caused the cruise boat to list and sink, prompting a rescue operation that pulled more than a dozen people from the water.
Mayor Helena Moreno said all passengers had been accounted for and described the outcome as “a miracle on the Mississippi.” Governor Jeff Landry echoed the sentiment, thanking God and calling the incident a miracle.
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed all available assets to assist, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. American Cruise Lines confirmed that guests and crew were evacuated and that it was working closely with the Coast Guard and local authorities.
At least 32 individuals sustained injuries, though none were reported as critical. Witnesses described the collision as a loud, steel-crunching impact, and some survivors recounted water flooding the vessel quickly.
President Donald Trump praised the Coast Guard, police and first responders for their “incredible” work on Truth Social, noting that no fatalities occurred.