Tanker Hits Riverboat American Heritage at Port of New Orleans
A tanker struck the American Heritage riverboat while it was docked on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans on Friday. Rescue operations continue, guests and crew have been evacuated, and officials say the cause and the number of injured are under investigation.
A tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines riverboat American Heritage while it was docked on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans on Friday afternoon, according to port officials. Search and rescue operations were still under way.
Port of New Orleans officials said more than 130 people were aboard. The cause of the crash and the number of people hurt are under investigation.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker hit the riverboat at about 12:30 p.m., port officials said. Emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The city of New Orleans said in an update on social media that multiple people had been rescued. American Cruise Lines confirmed that guests and crew were evacuated from the riverboat.
Bystander footage showed the white, riverboat-style ship slowly tipping onto its side after the impact, with passengers waiting on deck. Reports suggested a dozen or more people were pulled from the water. Details on injuries and their severity were not immediately available.
What ship-tracking data showed
Ship-tracking data showed the tanker was heading up the Mississippi, just past the French Quarter, when it passed under a bridge and struck the tour boat parked at a cruise dock. The tanker is registered in the Marshall Islands. It is 525 feet long and 77 feet wide, according to the tracking data.
American Cruise Lines said it was working with emergency responders to get passengers and crew off the vessel. The American Heritage is a paddle-wheeler built in 2015. The operator lists its capacity at 150 guests.
Governor heads to the city
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and would travel to New Orleans. In a post on X, he wrote: “We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement.”
Officials have not said how many people remain unaccounted for, if any. The city said search and rescue efforts were continuing as of its latest update.
