What began as the end of an eight-day river cruise turned into a frightening fight for survival Friday afternoon when a massive tanker struck a docked passenger boat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, sending it rolling onto its side and plunging people into the water.
The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. on November 13, when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker slammed into the American Heritage, a riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines. The passenger vessel was docked outside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. It had arrived roughly two hours earlier, and passengers were preparing to disembark when the tanker struck.
About 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard the American Heritage at the time. The impact sent the passenger boat listing heavily before it eventually rolled onto its side. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the large vessel began tipping over. One witness told local television station WDSU that the boat rolled over about 15 minutes after the collision.
Footage from the scene showed people wearing life jackets in the Mississippi River as rescue crews rushed to help them. Some passengers and crew members could be seen climbing along the railings of the tilted vessel, trying to get to safety. More than a dozen people were initially pulled from the water by nearby boats as emergency teams worked to reach everyone who needed help.
The rescue operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department and emergency medical crews. Passengers who made it out were taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, where they received assistance and medical attention. The river’s temperature was reported to be around 66 degrees.
By Friday evening, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that everyone aboard the passenger vessel had been accounted for. However, the incident left dozens needing medical attention. Moreno said 32 passengers were taken to area hospitals with injuries that were not considered critical. No fatalities were reported. Two Harbor Police officers were also hospitalized during the rescue operation, although their conditions were reported to be good.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that its guests and crew members had been evacuated. The company said it was working closely with the Coast Guard and local authorities while expressing concern for everyone affected by the collision. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also headed to New Orleans after learning about the incident.
The collision forced authorities to temporarily close a section of the Mississippi River between mile markers 93 and 96. The restriction kept other vessels away from the area while rescue teams carried out their work. Ferry operations were also suspended during the emergency response.
The American Heritage was built in 2015 and measures approximately 300 feet long. It can accommodate up to 150 passengers and previously sailed under the name Queen of the Mississippi. The vessel was completing an eight-day trip through Louisiana and Mississippi when the collision happened.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker is considerably larger, measuring approximately 520 feet long. It transports asphalt and bitumen, materials commonly used in road construction and roofing. Officials had not immediately confirmed whether it was carrying cargo when it struck the passenger boat.
Mayor Moreno later said the tanker had lost control before hitting the American Heritage. The exact circumstances that led to the loss of control remained under investigation. The sudden collision has also raised questions about how such a large commercial vessel came into contact with a passenger boat that was already secured at the dock.
For the passengers who had expected to step off their riverboat and end their trip normally, Friday’s events took a frightening turn. What followed was a large rescue effort involving several emergency agencies, dozens of injured passengers and a riverboat left on its side in the Mississippi River.