The Mississippi River can sometimes become a stage for unexpected drama. On June 1, 2024, at 12:30 local time, the American Heritage — an American Cruise Lines vessel built in 2015 with a capacity of 150 guests — was docked in the New Orleans harbor basin. Two hours earlier, the ship had docked, carrying over 100 passengers on board. The calm was shattered when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with the cruiser, sending the pleasure vessel tilting onto its side.
The impact was sudden. Images from CBS affiliate WAFB showed the cruise boat, the American Heritage operated by American Cruise Lines, in the water, and passengers could be seen on the boat's deck as it tipped over. It was not immediately clear why the tanker, the Atlantic Asphalt, collided with the river cruiser while it was docked near the port.
BREAKING: A ship reportedly slammed into a cruise ship carrying hundreds of people on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. https://t.co/Q5F0C3Ahvx
For the passengers aboard, the day took a dramatic turn when the vessel was struck while docked. Passengers and crew were evacuated following the collision. With over 130 people on board, local media reported that a rescue operation was underway to rescue the 130 passengers. American Cruise Lines confirmed that passengers and crew had been evacuated as authorities managed the situation.
Governor Jeff Landry confirmed he was en route to New Orleans and coordinating with local and law enforcement authorities.
The rescue operation unfolded rapidly. A fire department spokesperson stated that 15 civilians and 2 firefighters were in the water, adding that all persons in the water appeared to be safe. A city spokesperson noted that several people had been rescued and that search and rescue operations were continuing as emergency responders worked at the scene.
🚨🇺🇸 UPDATE: 32 passengers from a New Orleans cruise ship are being treated at local hospitals with non-critical injuries after a collision with an oil tanker earlier today. Mayor Helena Moreno says all passengers are accounted for. Writer: Jamie https://t.co/wjRPEkprvK
The incident drew the attention of Louisiana’s highest office. Governor Jeff Landry confirmed he was en route to New Orleans and coordinating with local and law enforcement authorities. In a statement, he said, "We are informed about the incident on the Mississippi and are in close contact with local authorities and law enforcement." His response highlighted the state’s coordination with local officials.
The collision left the American Heritage partially submerged in the harbor basin. American Cruise Lines released a statement that passengers and crew had been evacuated and that the company was working in coordination with local authorities and U.S. Coast Guard officials. While rescue operations were ongoing, the cause of the collision and the number of injuries had not yet been confirmed.
New Orleans Mayor @HelenaMorenoLA gives update on tanker collision with a passenger boat in New Orleans: "Right now we have 32 passengers from the cruise ship who are in our local hospitals, none with any type of critical injuries... We have zero people unaccounted for." https://t.co/3Qc6045Y4j
The event in New Orleans marks a serious incident along the Mississippi. Chronology records show a container ship collision in June 2023, but the 2024 event saw the river cruise ship American Heritage capsizing on its side after being rammed by the tanker Atlantic Asphalt. As rescue operations continue, emergency services remain focused on ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew evacuated from the ship.
