Tanker crashes into docked cruise ship in New Orleans, injuring 32

Tanker strikes docked cruise ship on Mississippi River

A tanker collided with a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans on Friday afternoon, leaving 32 people injured and sending the five-storey riverboat onto its side. All passengers and crew were accounted for, according to New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, who described the outcome as “truly a miracle on the Mississippi.”

Collision leaves riverboat listing and passengers in the water

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage broadside while the cruise ship was docked and beginning passenger disembarkation. The riverboat had approximately 129 passengers plus crew members aboard at the time. The vessel capsized and was actively sinking, with luggage and debris floating in the water as rescuers pulled people into life jackets.

Bystander footage showed the white riverboat-style cruise ship slowly tipping onto its side as passengers waited on the deck. Witness Jamie Holford told CBS News that the impact sounded like a war movie, describing tons of steel crunching. Another witness, Devon Flanagan, called the scene chaos, with other barges and vessels rushing to help while people remained in the water.

Casualties and response

Thirty-two passengers were taken to local hospitals, and none had critical injuries, Mayor Moreno said at a press conference on Friday evening. At least two boats conducted water rescues, according to Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who told ABC News he feared it could be pretty bad given that river cruises tend to draw elderly passengers.

Multiple agencies responded, including the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans EMS, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said its crews were on scene with local partners and that more assets were on the way.

Officials monitor the scene

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was headed to New Orleans and remained in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said the Coast Guard was throwing every asset it had to help rescue missing passengers, adding that prayers were with all those impacted. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said he and his wife were praying for everyone involved and expressed gratitude for the first responders.

The city of New Orleans temporarily suspended a ferry service across the Mississippi River and urged people to plan alternate routes. American Cruise Lines said it was in close coordination with the Coast Guard and local authorities, and that guests and crew had been evacuated.

Unanswered questions

The cause of the collision has not been confirmed, and the Port of New Orleans described the incident as active and evolving. It remains unclear when the river will reopen to vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96, or what condition the capsized American Heritage is in as rescue and response operations continue.