Paddle wheel cruise ship with 129 on board capsizes after being struck by tanker in Port of New Orleans, as frantic rescue operation is launched

Published: 15:33 EST, 13 November 2026 | Updated: 16:10 EST, 13 November 2026 A huge paddle wheel pleasure boat with 129 people on board started sinking into the Mississippi River after being struck by a tanker. The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked on the river in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was struck by the Atlantic Asphalt shortly after midday.Disturbing images have since emerged showing passengers aboard the cruise line holding on to railings for their lives as the ship started to capsize. In another horrific video the cruise line was seen being pulled into the water as the tanker scraped past it. Police officers could be seen running along the dock as terrified passengers screamed out. In another, passengers, some in their life vests, were seen swimming back to the dock after being thrown into the water. As they swam, others could be seen stand upright on what was once the side of the ship as they too attempted to make their way back to shore.It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the incident, authorities said that multiple people have already been rescued following the incident. WDSU reported that 12 people were in the water waiting to be rescued. It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the incident, authorities said that multiple people have already been rescued According to officials, there were approximately 129 passengers onboard the ship in addition to crew members People are seen here being helped out of the water following the crash A live feed of the incident published by WVUE showed the cruise line half submerged in the water. A spokesperson for the Port of New Orleans said that the river cruiser was docked at the time when the tanker collided into it. The ship had been docked for two hours at the time of the smash in order to begin passenger disembarkation, the spokesperson said. According to officials, there were approximately 129 passengers onboard the ship in addition to crew members. A statement continued: '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.'American Cruise Lines said in a statement: 'American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans. 'We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.'The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has announced that due to the collision all ferry services across the river have been temporarily suspended. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has confirmed that he is aware of the incident and is heading to the scene. Passengers are seen here swimming back to shore in life vests, while others scramble over the side of the ship Rescue teams are seen on the river on Friday, what appears to be items from the cruise are floating in the water Disturbing photos show people clinging to the railings of American Cruise Lines American Heritage The ship is seen here half submerged in the waters of the Mississippi river following the collision He said: 'We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now.'Mayor Helena Moreno said in a statement: 'Emergency crews are responding to a collision involving a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. 'Multiple individuals have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing. Public safety agencies are coordinating response efforts, with the immediate priority being the safety and rescue of those involved. This remains an active and developing incident.'Developing story, check back for updates...