NEW ORLEANS, November 13, 2026. The tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River on Friday, prompting a rescue response as the smaller vessel took on water. NBC News reported that the American Cruise Lines vessel was docked when the tanker hit it.
Latest source check: November 13, 2026, at 2:50 p.m. Central Standard Time (20:50 UTC).
Rescue crews respond on the Mississippi River
American Cruise Lines told NBC that guests and crew had evacuated and that it was coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. NBC reported that the conditions of those aboard remained unclear and that it could not immediately establish whether everyone was accounted for.
The Associated Press also reported a rescue response. New Orleans Emergency Medical Services Lt. Stephanie C. Norwood told the AP that agencies were responding.
Port NOLA’s initial account
A Port NOLA statement placed the collision around 12:30 p.m., The Guardian reported.
Port officials brought people into the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage and assistance, according to WRDW’s account of the port’s statement. The station reported that officials had not confirmed the cause or the number of injuries.
What officials have not yet established
The reports reviewed for this update do not establish a final casualty count or the cause of the collision. NBC quoted a Coast Guard statement describing a three-mile river closure while responders assessed the situation. That response does not, by itself, determine legal responsibility.
Emergency information can change quickly. Readers should follow the linked news reports and official emergency instructions for later developments.