A tanker collided with a docked cruise ship in New Orleans on Friday afternoon, causing the passenger vessel to capsize. The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage, a paddlewheel ship operated by American Cruise Lines, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on the Mississippi River near the French Quarter. The collision left the vessel partially submerged.
The American Heritage was carrying 129 passengers and crew members when the incident occurred. A large emergency response was launched to rescue people from the water, and search-and-rescue operations continued throughout the afternoon. Officials confirmed that all passengers have been accounted for, though more than 30 individuals were hospitalized.
As a precaution following the collision, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority temporarily suspended ferry service across the Mississippi River. Travelers were encouraged to seek alternate routes while rescue efforts continued at the Port of New Orleans.