Asphalt Tanker Rams Docked American Cruise Lines Ship on Mississippi River, Partially Submerging It With 129 Passengers Aboard

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Cruise Lines riverboat American Heritage at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, November 13, 2026, while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans. Video from the scene showed the tanker ramming the smaller paddlewheel vessel broadside, tipping it onto its side and partially submerging it. Water rescues began immediately, with passengers seen in the river wearing life jackets.

The American Heritage was carrying 129 passengers and an undisclosed number of crew members at the time of the collision. American Cruise Lines confirmed that all guests and crew were evacuated from the vessel, though the full extent of injuries was not immediately known and remains under investigation. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard all responded to the scene.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was traveling to New Orleans and that his office was in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. The cause of the collision was under investigation as of Friday afternoon.