A tanker slammed into American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, a river cruiser carrying about 129 passengers, around 12:30 p.m. on the Mississippi River. The Port of New Orleans confirmed the collision.
Tanker Strikes Docked River Cruiser in New Orleans
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the docked vessel near mile marker 96, triggering immediate rescue operations. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene.
Two people, including an infant, died, while at least 40 others were rescued, officials said. University Medical Center New Orleans and other LCMC Health hospitals received roughly two dozen patients.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Coast Guard deployed assets to support state and local responders. The agency coordinated closely with Louisiana officials.
American Cruise Lines confirmed evacuation of guests and crew and said it worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. The company pledged to share further details as they became available.
The New Orleans Fire Department, NOLA Ready, and the United Cajun Navy assisted with search‑and‑rescue efforts. Multiple agencies remained on scene to aid victims.
Acadian Ambulance transported eight patients and positioned 15 units and two sprint trucks on scene, it announced on X. The service said it stood ready to deploy additional units if needed.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Police Department, and emergency medical personnel remained on site, the port said. They continued rescue and response operations.
A separate boat capsized in New York Harbor, killing two and rescuing 12, authorities confirmed. In Puerto Rico, a machete fight caused a vessel to capsize, resulting in at least two deaths and 40 rescues, officials reported.
The cause of the Mississippi River collision and the extent of injuries remain unconfirmed, port officials said. Weather conditions at the time included clear skies, temperatures in the upper 60s, and north winds of 8‑12 mph gusting to 15‑17 mph, the release noted.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was traveling to New Orleans and maintained contact with local officials. He posted on X that the state was in close communication with law enforcement.
Rep. Troy Carter said he was closely monitoring the response. He posted on X that he was devastated by the crash and praying for survivors.
Rep. Julia Letlow posted a message praying for a successful rescue mission and for the health and safety of all passengers affected.
NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness agency, urged people to avoid the area and allow responders to work. It emphasized that public safety remained the top priority.
This breaking news story will be updated as more information emerges. Readers should check back for the latest developments.
