New Orleans cruise line collision: What we know

New Orleans cruise line collision: What we know amid rescues, massive response Advertisement Updated: 4:18 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Metia Carroll Digital editor New Orleans cruise line collision: What we know amid rescues, massive response Updated: 4:18 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Metia Carroll Digital editor Emergency crews are on the scene of a boat crash near the Port of New Orleans. According to the Port of New Orleans, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. Advertisement At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the American Heritage. Rescues were underway for 12 people in the water. Below is everything we know about the rescue operation and collision so far. What we know about American Cruise Lines American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. river and small-ship cruise line. The cruise line has over 25 ships operating solely in the U.S. and 100% owned and operated. What we know about the crash Multiple agencies are responding to a boat crash in the Mississippi River. At 12:30 p.m. local time, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked on the Mississippi River outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The American Heritage had docked approximately two hours earlier to begin passenger disembarkation, according to Port NOLA. At the time of the incident, approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the American Heritage. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and emergency medical personnel are on scene, conducting rescue and response operations. Passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, for triage and assistance, according to Port officials. "Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders. This remains an active and evolving incident. The number of injuries and the cause of the allision have not yet been confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed," the Port issued a news release. New Orleans officials respond to boat collision on Mississippi River involving cruise ship Make WTAE a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Flights halted at airports across US due to air traffic control communications problems, FAA says Rescues underway after tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River Microsoft apologizes for massive outage that caused global disruption WATCH: Historic SS United States completes its final voyage – at the bottom of the Gulf