All passengers and crew aboard the river cruise paddleboat American Heritage survived a catastrophic collision on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, after a much larger asphalt tanker struck the vessel while it was docked.
Tanker Collides with Docked Cruise Ship
The incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River, when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the stationary river cruiser. The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, had docked to begin disembarking passengers from an eight-day river cruise through Louisiana and Mississippi.
Video footage from the scene captured the 500-foot tanker crashing into the docked paddle-wheeler in a loud crunch of metal and glass. The impact caused the 295-foot cruise ship to take on water, list heavily, and eventually lie on its side in the river.
Port of New Orleans Chief Melanie Montroll said that the ship began taking on water and tilting while passengers were still in the process of evacuation. Hotel rooms have been secured for any passengers impacted by the cruise line collision.
Rescuers and Hospitals Treat 32 Injured People
A massive rescue response immediately swung into action, involving tugboat operators, nearby workers, police and other rescuers, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
LCMC Health hospitals admitted 32 injured individuals for medical evaluation. As of Friday afternoon, 32 people had been injured and taken to local hospitals.
University Medical Center New Orleans and other LCMC Health hospitals have received an estimated two dozen patients following the reported maritime incident. Our medical teams are currently evaluating patients and providing appropriate care while coordinating with emergency responders. As this remains an active situation, we will provide additional information as appropriate.
University Medical Center New Orleans, LCMC Health
Despite the severe damage to the vessel, authorities confirmed that every single person aboard was accounted for and no fatalities occurred.
Mayor and Coast Guard React to Accident
Local and federal leaders quickly mobilized in response to the maritime accident. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno praised the swift efforts of emergency personnel during a news conference, celebrating the absence of fatalities.
We have zero people unaccounted for, which truly is a miracle on the Mississippi.
Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans
U.S. Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham addressed reporters regarding the initial assessment of the crash, stating that the cargo vessel appeared to experience a failure in steering.
There seems to be some type of a loss of steering.
Melanie Burnham, U.S. Coast Guard Captain
President Trump posted a message on Truth Social stating, “Thank you to the United States Coast Guard for doing such an incredible job of rescue, and other work, having to do with the crash of the two ships in Louisiana.” He also added, “Likewise, all of Law Enforcement and First Responders were fantastic! Incredibly, nobody was killed by this major collision. 32 people are in the hospital.” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed he was aware of the incident and was heading to New Orleans, prompting President Trump to thank him for his leadership during an agonizing period.
Congressman Troy Carter also spoke out about the event, while the Department of Homeland Security coordinated closely with the state of Louisiana.
Coast Guard Closes Mississippi River Transit
Following the crash, federal authorities restricted regional transit to manage the emergency site. The U.S. Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96.
