Tanker rams river cruise paddleboat on Mississippi River, rescue teams search for survivors

UPDATE - follow-up to Over 100 people aboard cruise ship hit by tanker in New Orleans; injuries unknown, rescue continues, officials say: Emergency responders are actively rescuing passengers on the Mississippi River after the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage river cruise paddleboat on Friday, November 13, 2026. The collision partially submerged the five-story cruise ship, which was carrying 129 passengers and finishing an eight-day trip across Louisiana and Mississippi.

Rescue Efforts

Authorities have not yet reported whether there are any deaths or injuries. Video footage shows the larger tanker hitting the paddleboat while it appeared docked, causing metal and glass to crash. More than a dozen passengers wearing lifejackets were pulled from the 19-degree river onto nearby vessels, while others stood by the railing as the ship tilted further into the water. Witness Jamie Holford told WDSU-TV that only fifteen minutes passed from the impact until the boat rolled over.

Vessel Details

Built in 2015 and operated by American Cruise Lines, the American Heritage can hold up to 150 passengers. The striking tanker is 160 metres long, sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands, and carries asphalt and bitumen. Marine Insights reports that ships hauling these materials often keep them heated above 120 degrees Celsius to stop them from turning solid, though it remains unclear if the tanker was carrying cargo during the crash.

Context

Accidents on busy commercial waterways like the Mississippi River highlight the constant safety risks shared by large industrial transport vessels and passenger tourism boats. Emergency teams in major port cities routinely train for river collisions to handle rapid evacuations when vessels take on water.