OtherFriday, November 13, 20261 min read

Rescues operations underway in New Orleans after tanker hits river cruise boat

By Jack Brook, Associated Press · Via PBS NewsHour · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The collision occurred on Friday when the significantly larger tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the paddlewheel cruise boat American Heritage while it appeared to be docked. The impact forced passengers into life jackets, with several seen in the water and others congregating near the railings as the vessel became partially submerged. Local authorities confirmed that 129 passengers were aboard the vessel operated by American Cruise Lines during the incident. Emergency medical services and all responding local agencies remain deployed to the scene to conduct rescue operations.

Key points

All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on th…: All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fat…: Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fatalities among those aboard.
The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partia…: The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partially submerged after the incident.

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By — Jack Brook, Associated Press Jack Brook, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/rescues-operations-underway-in-new-orleans-after-tanker-hits-river-cruise-boat Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Rescues operations underway in New Orleans after tanker hits river cruise boat Nation Nov 13, 2026 4:00 PM EST NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A tanker struck a New Orleans river cruise with 129 passengers on board on Friday, partially submerging the boat. Rescues were underway on the Mississippi River, officials say. Authorities did not immediately release whether there were injuries or deaths. Video from the scene showed the much larger Atlantic Asphalt tanker hit the paddlewheel cruise boat while it appeared to be docked. People were seen in the river in life jackets or standing near the railing as the other side of the American Heritage listed further into the water. The cruise ship is operated by American Cruise Lines. Lt. Stephanie C. Norwood with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services said all agencies are responding to rescue efforts. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism…

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Key Points

All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on th…: All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fat…: Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fatalities among those aboard.
The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partia…: The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partially submerged after the incident.

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Key Points

All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on th…: All responding agencies have deployed personnel to conduct active rescue operations on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fat…: Authorities have not yet confirmed if the river collision resulted in any injuries or fatalities among those aboard.
The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partia…: The American Heritage vessel, which is operated by American Cruise Lines, was left partially submerged after the incident.

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Rescues operations underway in New Orleans after tanker hits river cruise boat

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