A collision occurred on Friday, 13 November 2026, between the tanker Atlantic Asphalt and the American Heritage river cruise paddlewheeler in New Orleans. The American Heritage was left lying on its side and partially submerged in the Mississippi River following the incident that began receiving emergency calls around 13:30 EST (18:30 GMT).
Approximately 130 passengers and crew were on board the American Heritage at the time. All were safely evacuated as the paddlewheeler began to list before capsizing. Thirty-two people were hospitalized with non-critical injuries; nine remained in hospital the following day. The captain was injured but delayed medical treatment
until all aboard were confirmed accounted for.
Official Responses and Safety Assessments
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno credited first responders for their rapid rescue efforts, stating, “We have zero people unaccounted for, which truly is a miracle on the Mississippi.” Governor Jeff Landry described the operation as “a miracle on the Mississippi,” noting the large number of people saved and pledged an investigation. The US Coast Guard’s Captain Melanie Burnham indicated a possible loss of steering played a role, remarking, “There seems to be some type of a loss of steering.” President Donald Trump praised the rescue through social media.
Investigation and Incident Details
The collision’s exact cause remains
under investigation. Preliminary findings from the US Coast Guard suggest a steering failure on one of the vessels may have led to the accident. The American Heritage had been concluding an eight-day cruise traveling through Louisiana and Mississippi, with the voyage ending in New Orleans.
American Heritage Paddlewheeler Specifications
Operated by American Cruise Lines, the American Heritage can carry up to 150 guests. The paddlewheeler features amenities including a glass-enclosed restaurant, a fitness center, and three guest lounges. This river cruise itinerary regularly visits destinations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Rescue Operations and River Traffic Management
Following the collision, tugboat operators, police, and other emergency responders quickly
mobilized to assist passengers and crew. Mississippi River traffic was halted to facilitate rescue operations. Local authorities, including the Port of New Orleans, coordinated efforts to safely remove all persons from the listing vessel.
Witness Joe Knab, who spent about 20 minutes in the water after the ship capsized, described the rapid sinking, while bystander Jamie Holford likened the noise of the collision to “tons of steel crunching” and observed passengers and crew shouting and crying during evacuation attempts.
