Tanker collides with New Orleans river cruise carrying 129 passengers, rescue operation underway

Published on 13 November 2026 - 22:04 GMT+1•Updated 22:07 A tanker struck a New Orleans river cruise on Friday, partially submerging the boat. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s office said multiple people have been rescued, and search-and-rescue operations are still ongoing. Approximately 129 passengers were aboard the riverboat American Heritage at the time of the incident, according to the Port of New Orleans. Video from the scene showed the much larger boat operated by American Cruise Lines crashing into 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 ship listed further into the water. It was reported that the ship docked two hours early to begin passenger disembarkation. Passengers are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, Port NOLA said. Authorities did not immediately release whether there were injuries or deaths. Our journalists are working to bring the latest on the story.