A cruise ship carrying approximately 129 passengers collided with a tanker on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Thursday, injuring 32 people and leaving the vessel tilting to one side and taking on water, according to officials.
The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. as the American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage was docked near 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The ship was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt tanker approximately 2 hours after docking to begin passenger disembarkation.
Video circulating from the scene shows the cruise ship leaning heavily to one side as water appears to enter the vessel. Emergency crews rushed to the area, with the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) deploying a rescue boat.
Approximately 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard the cruise ship at the time of the collision. Rescue operations were initially launched for 12 people reported in the water, while passengers were brought into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell later confirmed that all passengers aboard the American Heritage had been accounted for. LCMC Health is treating 32 passengers who were injured in the collision.
Acadian Ambulance said it had 15 ambulance units and 2 sprint trucks at the scene, assisting New Orleans EMS and other first responders. The company had transported 8 patients at the time of its update and was prepared to send additional units if needed.
Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), NOFD and emergency medical personnel were among the agencies responding.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of the collision or the extent of the damage to the vessels.
BREAKING: Rescues underway as tanker collides with river cruiser near the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana. https://t.co/ST49x9xwne
— WBC24 (@WBC24News) November 13, 2026