Overview
- A Marshall Islands–registered tanker called the Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Cruise Lines riverboat American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 while the vessel was docked and disembarking passengers.
- First responders from Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire and Police departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and EMS carried out water rescues and moved evacuees to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage.
- Local officials said all passengers and crew were accounted for; 32 people were taken to hospitals and none were reported in critical condition.
- Video and eyewitness accounts show the riverboat listing, tilting onto its side and becoming partially submerged with people in life jackets in the water as crews pulled survivors aboard.
- The Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River between mile markers 93 and 96 and the U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB have opened investigations into the cause of the collision, which could affect nearby port operations while authorities assess the scene.