Rescue operations are underway after a tanker collided with a docked riverboat on the Mississippi River close to the Port of New Orleans, officers stated Friday.
Roughly 129 passengers, plus crew members, have been on board the riverboat, American Heritage, when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with it, in accordance with the Port of New Orleans.
The tanker struck the riverboat broadside and laborious, sources stated. The docked cruise ship capsized and is actively sinking, and rescues are underway within the water, the sources stated.
Emergency crews are responding to a vessel collision involving a riverboat on the Mississippi River close to the Port of New Orleans, Nov. 13, 2026.
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The collision occurred at roughly 12:30 p.m. native time Friday, in accordance with the Port of New Orleans. The riverboat had docked roughly two hours earlier to start passenger disembarkation, it stated.
“A number of people have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations stay ongoing,” a metropolis spokesperson stated.
Emergency crews reply to a vessel collision involving the American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River close to the Port of New Orleans, Nov. 13, 2026.
Devon Flanagan
The variety of accidents and the reason for the collision haven’t but been confirmed, in accordance with the Port of New Orleans, saying in a press release, “This stays an lively and evolving incident.”
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser informed ABC Information that a minimum of two boats have performed water rescues.
“I am fearing it could possibly be fairly unhealthy,” he stated, noting that the river cruises have a tendency to attract aged passengers.
American Cruise Traces, the riverboat’s operator, stated in a press release, “We’re in shut coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and native authorities. Company and crew have been evacuated, and we’re deeply involved for everybody concerned.”
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker is seen after a colliding with the American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River close to the Port of New Orleans, Nov. 13, 2026.
WGNO
A number of businesses, together with the New Orleans Fireplace Division, the New Orleans Police Division and the U.S. Coast Guard, are on scene conducting rescue and response operations, officers stated.
“The river is closed to all vessel site visitors between mile markers 93 and 96 whereas responders assess the scenario and conduct response operations,” the U.S. Coast Guard stated.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry stated he’s heading to New Orleans.
“We’re conscious of the incident on the Mississippi and we’re in shut contact with native officers and legislation enforcement,” he stated on social media.
ABC Information’ Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
This can be a creating story. Please verify again for updates.
