THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. WATCH THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES.
UPDATE 5:02 p.m. EST: According to local TV station WDSU, dozens of people have been transported to local hospitals following the collision.
In a post on X, Secretary of Transportation Markwayne Mullin wrote: The @USCG is supporting the state of Louisiana and our local partners in responding to a vessel collision near mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River. We are throwing every asset we have to help rescue missing passengers. @DHSgov is coordinating closely with the state of Louisiana. Our prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible tragedy.
An asphalt tanker crashed into an American Cruise Lines riverboat docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 13, capsizing the vessel. The crash set off a large rescue effort and closed the river to boat traffic.
According to the Port of New Orleans, the American Heritage was docked when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck it at about 12:30 p.m. local time. Port officials told local media that the riverboat had docked about two hours earlier so passengers could start disembarking. The port said about 129 passengers were on board, along with crew.
American Heritage Capsizes
Video on social media appears to show the tanker hitting the side of the docked riverboat. The American Heritage then capsized toward open water and quickly took on water. Photos circulating online show the capsized vessel lying fully on its side, with passengers climbing out onto its balconies. Local TV station WDSU reported that people were being rescued from the frigid river, and footage showed several people in the water wearing life jackets. WDSU and other local outlets first reported that about 12 people went into the river. As of Friday afternoon, the Port of New Orleans said the number of injuries and the cause had not yet been confirmed.
The port said harbor police, the New Orleans Fire and Police Departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical crews were on the scene. Passengers were brought into the port’s administration building for triage. According to the local Fox affiliate, Mayor Helena Moreno’s communications team said multiple people had been rescued, and search-and-rescue work was still going on. Helicopters circled overhead, and ambulances waited nearby, local media reported. The Coast Guard said the crash happened near mile marker 96. WGNO reported that as of 2 p.m., the river was closed to vessel traffic.
Gov. Jeff Landry said on X that he was in close contact with local officials and law enforcement and that he was heading to New Orleans.
American Cruise Lines issued the following statement:
“American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans. We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
About the Ship
The American Heritage is a paddlewheeler built in 2015 and can carry up to 150 guests. According to the line, the ship has five passenger decks plus a sun deck, all served by an elevator. Most cabins have private balconies, and single cabins are available for solo travelers. Other features include a glass-enclosed restaurant with open seating, a few lounges with live music from local musicians in the evenings and a fitness center.
What You Should Know
Clients booked on upcoming American Heritage sailings: American Cruise Lines has not yet announced changes to future departures. Given how badly the ship was damaged, near-term sailings are likely to be affected. Contact the line before rebooking or canceling anything, and keep a record of every conversation.
Clients who were on board: Check in with them and point them to the line’s guest-care team. Help them look at what their travel insurance covers, such as medical bills, lost belongings and getting home. 800-894-8570 or via email at Inquiry@AmericanCruiseLines.com or CustomerService@americancruiselines.com
Other sailings out of New Orleans: Ask the cruise lines whether the river closure affects clients leaving from Port NOLA in the next few days, on both river and ocean cruises.
For more information, visit americancruiselines.com/travel-advisors/login.
