This is a breaking story and will be updated with new details as they emerge.
All passengers have been accounted for after a tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship in New Orleans, causing the passenger vessel to capsize and partially sink in the Mississippi River.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed during a press conference on Friday evening that 32 people had been taken to local hospitals following the collision. None was reported to have critical injuries.
The accident happened at approximately 12.30pm local time on Friday, 13th November 2026, when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage near the Port of New Orleans.
According to Moreno, the tanker lost control before colliding with the docked cruise ship. The passenger vessel began going into the water as people were disembarking.
American Heritage was reportedly carrying approximately 129 passengers, along with crew members, when the collision occurred.
Footage from the scene shows the much larger tanker striking the side of the passenger vessel, which subsequently rolled onto its side and began taking on water.
Emergency services launched an extensive rescue operation, with passengers seen in the river wearing life jackets and others attempting to reach safety from the overturned vessel.
Early reports indicated that at least 14 people had been rescued from the water. However, the mayor has since confirmed that nobody remains unaccounted for, based on the latest available information.
WATCH: New video shows moment the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collides with American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship is docked on the Mississippi River. https://t.co/SS2mCQGCY5
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) November 13, 2026
32 Hospitalised But No Critical Injuries Reported
Mayor Helena Moreno provided a significant update during a press conference on Friday evening, confirming that all passengers had been accounted for following the collision.
She said 32 people were in local hospitals, but none had suffered injuries considered critical.
The update provided reassurance after earlier reports suggested that some passengers had entered the Mississippi River when the cruise ship overturned.
Moreno praised the emergency services involved in the response, crediting first responders for their prompt actions following the accident.
Although the number of people requiring hospital treatment is substantial, the absence of reported critical injuries is an encouraging development given the circumstances of the collision.
Passengers Rescued As Cruise Ship Overturns
The collision occurred close to the Crescent City Connection bridge, where American Heritage was docked alongside the Mississippi River.
Videos circulating on social media show the tanker approaching the stationary cruise ship before making contact with its side.
The impact caused significant damage, with the passenger vessel beginning to lean before eventually rolling over into the water.
Images taken shortly afterwards show American Heritage lying almost completely on its side, with much of the vessel submerged.
🇺🇸 The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the docked river cruise ship American Heritage in New Orleans, leaving it partially submerged or capsized; officials say multiple people were rescued and search and rescue continues. The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. local time on the Mississippi River as the ship, which carried about 129 passengers plus crew, had docked two hours earlier to begin disembarkation. Mayor Helena Moreno’s office said multiple people were rescued, passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans administration building for triage, and the Coast Guard closed the river between mile markers 93 and 96. The number of injured and the cause have not been confirmed, and it was not immediately clear whether everyone was accounted for; one report said 12 passengers ended up in the water, which officials have not confirmed. Reports differ on whether the vessel capsized or is partially submerged, and no official figures on casualties, passengers’ ages or how quickly it sank have been released. The tanker is registered in the Marshall Islands and owned by Chinese and Liberian companies, according to public records. Sources: Port of New Orleans, NBC News, FOX 8, U.S. Coast Guard
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) November 13, 2026
Other footage shows passengers in life jackets clinging to flotation equipment as rescue teams work to bring them out of the river. Some people were also seen attempting to climb onto railings as the vessel overturned.
American Cruise Lines has confirmed that its ship was involved in the accident and that guests and crew were evacuated.
The company said it was working alongside the US Coast Guard and local authorities to respond to the incident.
“Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” the cruise line said.
Emergency medical teams were quickly deployed to the scene, with multiple ambulances and specialist response vehicles assisting those involved.
Absolutely insane. The American Heritage when the Atlantic Asphalt collision happened in New Orleans. Rare footage + Inside picture https://t.co/cQ9ZeTHy5Y
— Chand Dev (@ChandDevIP) November 13, 2026
Acadian Ambulance initially reported having 15 ambulance units and two sprint trucks responding to the incident, with eight patients transported at the time of its first update.
The company said additional resources were available if required. The mayor subsequently confirmed that 32 people were in hospital, although further details about their injuries have not yet been released.
Port authorities have also been assisting rescued passengers, with some taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building to receive medical assessments and support.
Mississippi River Closed During Emergency Response
The US Coast Guard restricted vessel movements along a section of the Mississippi River while emergency teams carried out their response.
The closure affects river traffic between mile markers 93 and 96, temporarily preventing other vessels from passing through the affected area.
The Coast Guard said the restrictions were necessary while responders assessed the collision and conducted rescue operations.
Passenger ferry services across the Mississippi River were also temporarily suspended as a precaution, with local authorities advising travellers to use alternative routes.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed that he was aware of the incident and was travelling to New Orleans as the emergency response continued.
The City of New Orleans emphasised that protecting those involved was its immediate priority, with multiple emergency agencies coordinating their efforts.
The tanker involved, Atlantic Asphalt, is approximately 160 metres long and sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
By comparison, American Heritage measures approximately 81 metres, making the tanker almost twice the length of the river cruise ship.
The tanker is designed to transport asphalt and bitumen, although it is not yet clear whether it was carrying cargo at the time of the accident.
American Heritage was built in 2015 and can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The vessel operates Mississippi River cruises and features multiple passenger decks, a glass-enclosed restaurant, lounges and a fitness centre.
The ship was nearing the end of an eight-day Mississippi River itinerary when the collision occurred.
Mayor Moreno has said the tanker lost control before striking the cruise ship, although the circumstances that caused it to lose control have not yet been established.
The collision remains under investigation. With all passengers now accounted for and no critical injuries reported, attention is expected to turn towards establishing what caused the accident and assessing the damage to both vessels.
