🇺🇸 The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the docked river cruise ship American Heritage in New Orleans, leaving it partially submerged or capsized; officials say multiple people were rescued and search and rescue continues. The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. local time on the Mississippi River as the ship, which carried about 129 passengers plus crew, had docked two hours earlier to begin disembarkation. Mayor Helena Moreno's office said multiple people were rescued, passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans administration building for triage, and the Coast Guard closed the river between mile markers 93 and 96. The number of injured and the cause have not been confirmed, and it was not immediately clear whether everyone was accounted for; one report said 12 passengers ended up in the water, which officials have not confirmed. Reports differ on whether the vessel capsized or is partially submerged, and no official figures on casualties, passengers' ages or how quickly it sank have been released. The tanker is registered in the Marshall Islands and owned by Chinese and Liberian companies, according to public records. Sources: Port of New Orleans, NBC News, FOX 8, U.S. Coast Guard
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) November 13, 2026
New Orleans tanker crashes into riverboat carrying 129 passengers; rescues ongoing https://t.co/rf7N47PFcc 📹: Devon Flanagan https://t.co/OGzDPu6Jo2
— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) November 13, 2026
Multiple people rescued after tanker collides with cruise ship on the Mississippi River. Credit: Devon Flanagan https://t.co/ZPspGtLt8T https://t.co/O20q9JPuFe
— wdsu (@wdsu) November 13, 2026
VIDEO: Passengers seen in water after asphalt tanker collides with river cruiser near the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana. https://t.co/QfThx13Q2C
— Noteworthy News (@newsnoteworthy) November 13, 2026
