All 197 passengers aboard the American Heritage were rescued after the vessel overturned following a collision with an asphalt tanker, leaving 32 people hospitalised with non-critical injuries.
A major emergency response was launched in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday after a tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River, causing the passenger vessel to take on water and eventually capsize.
Dramatic footage of the incident showed the moment the much larger tanker, identified as the Atlantic Asphalt, struck the American Heritage paddlewheeler while it was docked at the Port of New Orleans.
The collision sent the cruise ship listing heavily before it rolled onto its side, leaving passengers scrambling for safety. Some were seen desperately clinging to railings as water engulfed parts of the vessel, while others ended up in the Mississippi River.
Emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, New Orleans Fire Department, local police and nearby boat operators, rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped aboard and in the water.
Despite the terrifying circumstances, authorities confirmed that everyone aboard the cruise ship was accounted for following the rescue operation.
According to officials, the vessel was carrying 197 passengers when the collision occurred. Thirty-two people were taken to local hospitals for treatment, although none of the reported injuries was considered critical. Others received medical attention at the scene for minor injuries.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno described the successful rescue as a “miracle on the Mississippi,” highlighting the coordinated efforts of emergency personnel and other individuals who rushed to assist passengers.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also praised the rescue operation, describing the outcome as remarkable given the potential scale of the disaster.
Preliminary information suggests that the Atlantic Asphalt may have experienced a steering problem before striking the docked cruise vessel.
U.S. Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said investigators were examining a possible loss of steering capabilities on the tanker, although the exact reason for the suspected malfunction had not been established.
Authorities are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and establish whether mechanical failure or other factors contributed to the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also expected to investigate the crash.
