A tanker collided with a cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, triggering a search and rescue operation, officials said.
American Cruise Lines said its ship, a riverboat called American Heritage, was docked when it was struck by the tanker Atlantic Asphalt.
The company said guests and crew were evacuated. The Coast Guard said it was working with local agencies to respond to the incident, which it said occurred at mile marker 96 on the Mississippi River.
Devon Flanagan/AP
“The river is closed to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96, while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations,” the Coast Guard statement said. “This is a developing situation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
What the fuck. A tanker just hit a river cruise boat with 129 passengers on board and the boat can be seen capsizing into the Mississippi river. Rescue operations are now underway. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/DItfamNd1w
— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) November 13, 2026
Photos and video shared online captured the moment the tanker hit the ship.
Matthew Hinton/AP
The ship, with passengers on board, then tilted to its side until it eventually lay completely sideways and partially submerged.
Devon Flanagan/AP
Photos and video also showed authorities responding to the scene and people being pulled out of the water.
The emergency preparedness campaign for New Orleans said on X that the ferry service across the river was suspended after the collision.
