A cruise ship carrying nearly 130 passengers capsized in the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday after being struck by a tanker — triggering an urgent, multi-agency search and rescue operation. The incident unfolded near one of the city’s busiest waterways, raising immediate concerns about passenger safety and river traffic.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed it is actively responding to the collision between the cruise ship American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, which carried nearly 130 passengers, and the tanker Atlantic Asphalt. The vessel was struck broadside — commonly called a T-bone collision — at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time near Mile Marker 96 on the Mississippi River, between the French Quarter and the Algiers neighborhood.
Photos posted to social media showed the riverboat cruise ship completely on its side within four hours of the initial impact.
Coast Guard Response
Multiple Coast Guard units were dispatched to the scene, including Maritime Safety and Security Team New Orleans, Aids to Navigation New Orleans, and Air Station New Orleans. The Coast Guard is coordinating with Louisiana State Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, Port NOLA Harbor Police, and maritime salvage teams.
Coast Guard Chief of Public Affairs Capt. Timothy Balunis addressed the incident Friday, stating:
“The United States Coast Guard, in coordination with local response partners, is responding to a vessel collision involving a tanker and a cruise ship near Mile Marker 96 on the Mississippi River.”
Balunis also confirmed that the river has been shut down to all vessel traffic while authorities work to assess conditions and carry out rescue operations, adding:
“This is a developing situation.”
Investigation Underway
Beyond the immediate rescue effort, the Coast Guard announced it will launch a Marine Board of Investigation to determine what caused the collision and whether any criminal activity was involved. The board holds the authority to recommend criminal charges if warranted.
Balunis said the agency would release additional details as they become available. Officials have not yet disclosed how many passengers were recovered or the full extent of injuries.
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