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Tanker collides with river cruiser near Port of New Orleans

14 November 2026 00:58 (UTC +04:00)

Emergency responders rushed to the Port of New Orleans after a tanker collided with a river cruise with more than 130 people onboard Friday afternoon, according to Port of New Orleans officials, CNN reports.

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker crashed into the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage at about 12:30 p.m. while the ship was docked on the Mississippi River, according to port officials.

The cause of the collision and the number of people injured are still under investigation. CNN has reached out to the agencies for more information.

The massive tanker rammed into the docked cruise ship, tipping the ship on its side and partially submerging it underwater, video from CNN affiliate WDSU shows.

Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, according to a news release. The U.S. Coast Guard also said a portion of the river is closed to all vessel traffic as emergency responders work, they told CNN.

“Our immediate priority is the safety of all passengers, crew members and first responders. This remains an active and evolving incident,” the Port of New Orleans said in a statement.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and would be heading to New Orleans.

United States New Orleans Louisiana Mississippi River tanker collision cruise ship Atlantic Asphalt American Heritage American Cruise Lines Port of New Orleans US Coast Guard maritime accident emergency response Jeff Landry CNN