Tanker Atlantic Asphalt strikes docked cruise ship American Heritage in New Orleans, rescues underway

A tanker slammed into a docked river cruise ship at the Port of New Orleans today, Friday, Nov. 13, setting off a large water rescue on the Mississippi River.

The Atlantic Asphalt struck American Cruise Lines' American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. local time, according to the Port of New Orleans. Port press secretary Kimberly Curth said the riverboat had about 129 passengers aboard, plus crew.

The ship had tied up roughly two hours earlier to begin letting passengers off.

What officials have confirmed

The Port said the number of injuries and the cause of the collision have not been confirmed. "This remains an active and evolving incident," it said in a statement.

The New Orleans Fire Department and NOLA Ready said multiple people have been rescued and search-and-rescue operations are continuing. Port NOLA Harbor Police, New Orleans police, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical crews are on scene.

Passengers pulled from the water or evacuated were being taken into the Port's Administration Building for triage and assistance.

The Coast Guard has closed the river to all vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96. Lt. Krystal Wolfe said the closure will stay in place "while responders assess the situation and conduct response operations."

It was not immediately clear whether all passengers and crew have been accounted for.

The vessel's condition

Images and video from the scene show the American Heritage listing hard on its side, with chairs and tables strewn across the deck. People in life jackets are visible in the water, and others can be seen clinging to railings.

Footage from WDSU shows tugboat crew hauling people wearing life jackets or holding flotation rings out of the river.

ABC News, citing sources, reported that the tanker hit the riverboat broadside and hard, and that the vessel capsized and was sinking. NBC News also described the ship as capsized. Neither the Port nor the Coast Guard has described the ship's condition in those terms in the statements released so far.

The American Heritage can seat up to 150 guests, according to American Cruise Lines.

Fear of a high toll

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser told ABC News that at least two boats had carried out water rescues.

"I'm fearing it could be pretty bad," Nungesser said. He noted that river cruises tend to draw elderly passengers.

Gov. Jeff Landry said on X that he was headed to New Orleans and was in close contact with local officials and law enforcement.

American Cruise Lines said in a statement that it is in close coordination with the Coast Guard and local authorities. "Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved," the company said.

Cause still open

No official has said why the tanker hit a stationary ship. The Port used the term "allision," which describes a vessel striking a fixed or stationary object.

Conditions do not appear to be a factor on their face. A Port release said skies were clear with no precipitation, temperatures were in the upper 60s, and north winds ran 8 to 12 mph with gusts of 15 to 17 mph. Water temperature was about 66 degrees.

The Guardian reported that it was possible the tanker had lost power before the impact. That has not been confirmed by the Port, the Coast Guard or the vessel's owners.

Public records show the Atlantic Asphalt is based in the Marshall Islands and is owned by Chinese and Liberian companies, according to NBC News. No official has linked the ownership to the collision.

The city told residents to avoid the area while crews work. The Coast Guard has not said when the river will reopen. Officials had scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. ET, and the confirmed injury and casualty counts, the condition of the ship and the cause of the collision remain the open questions.