Luxury Cruise Ship Capsizes and Sinks After Tanker Collision on Mississippi River, 32 Injured

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said at a press conference that 32 passengers were hospitalized following the accident. However, none suffered critical injuries.

Describing the outcome as “a miracle on the Mississippi,” Moreno said approximately 180 to 190 passengers and crew members were aboard the American Cruise Lines vessel, the American Heritage, when the collision occurred.

The accident happened around midday when a tanker named Atlantic Asphalt reportedly lost control and struck the cruise ship, which was docked along the river.

As passengers rushed to evacuate, the cruise vessel began taking on water before eventually tipping over and flipping into the river, throwing people into the water.

New Orleans Harbor Police Chief Melanie Montroll said approximately 87 passengers had managed to disembark before the vessel capsized.

Moreno praised the rapid response of local, state and federal emergency personnel, as well as bystanders aboard nearby vessels, saying their efforts helped prevent any loss of life.

The U.S. Coast Guard said all river traffic in the vicinity of the collision had been suspended following the incident.

Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham told The New Orleans Advocate that the tanker appeared to have experienced a steering malfunction. However, the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.

American Cruise Lines said in a statement that it was coordinating with the Coast Guard and local authorities.

“Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” the company said.

According to American Cruise Lines, the American Heritage was built in 2015 and has a passenger capacity of 150.