Tanker Collides with Docked River Cruise Ship on Mississippi River
An aerial view shows the passenger boat American Heritage lying on its side and partially submerged next to a wharf on the Mississippi River, surrounded by emergency and response vessels.
A large tanker struck the docked passenger boat American Heritage on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, causing it to list heavily and submerge. All passengers and crew were accounted for with no fatalities, though over thirty people were hospitalized for non-critical injuries. Local authorities and federal agencies launched an extensive multi-agency rescue operation as investigators began looking into the tanker's apparent loss of steering.
- WhenFriday at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time
- WhereMississippi River near the Port of New Orleans
- Who was involvedThe tanker Atlantic Asphalt and the cruise ship American Heritage
- Casualties32 people taken to area hospitals, zero fatalities
- CauseLoss of steering / tanker losing control (investigation ongoing)
- StatusRiver temporarily closed between mile markers 93 and 96
Photos
2 photosWhat happened
A major maritime incident unfolded on the Mississippi River when a large tanker crashed into a docked river cruise ship, leaving the passenger vessel on its side and largely submerged. The collision occurred near the Port of New Orleans while passengers were in the process of disembarking after the boat had docked.
Eyewitness accounts described the sound of the crash as resembling a war movie with tons of steel crunching together. The impact forced water into the vessel, and onlookers reported seeing individuals climbing over railings and balconies as the ship steadily rolled over into the river.
Emergency vehicles and responders gather near the dock as rescue operations take place following the collision.
How it unfolded
The tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Heritage at around 12:30 p.m. local time. The cruise ship had finished docking about two hours prior to begin letting passengers off.
According to witnesses and video footage, the vessel slowly listed and rolled onto its side following the impact. The collision sent a number of people into the cold and perilous waters of the river, prompting an immediate and hectic emergency response.
The people involved
Reports regarding the exact number of individuals on board at the time varied slightly: one source indicated about 129 passengers plus crew members, while another reported 197 passengers on board. Everyone from both vessels was ultimately accounted for, with officials confirming there were no fatalities.
Thirty-two individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment, mostly for minor bumps and bruises, though none suffered critical injuries. Among the hospitalized were two harbor police officers who participated in the rescue operations.
Response and aftermath
A multi-agency rescue effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, fire departments, and private volunteer vessels rushed to pull people from the water. Rescuers used tugboats, boats, and helicopters to assist survivors, many of whom lost personal belongings such as identification, phones, and car keys.
City officials and partner organizations worked to provide affected passengers with food, hotel rooms, transportation, and access to prescription medications. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard temporarily closed a section of the Mississippi River to facilitate rescue operations and evaluate plans to reopen the waterway.
What we still don't know
While U.S. Coast Guard commander Melanie Burnham noted preliminary indications of some type of loss of steering on the tanker, the exact reason why the vessel lost control remains unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the cause of the collision, sending a team of investigators to the scene by vehicle after travel disruptions delayed initial transit plans.