A major emergency response unfolded Friday afternoon after a tanker struck a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, sending passengers overboard and causing the vessel to sink.
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage around 12:30 p.m. local time while the cruise ship was moored at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The American Heritage had been docked for two hours to begin passenger disembarkation when the accident occurred, according to Port NOLA officials.
Video circulating on social media captured the moment of impact, followed by chaotic scenes of passengers clinging to railings as the riverboat rapidly took on water. Some were seen floating in the river wearing life jackets while rescue operations commenced.
Authorities confirmed all 129 passengers and crew members had been accounted for by evening, though 32 people required hospitalization. The extent of their injuries remains unclear.
Trump Praises Rescue Efforts
Former President Donald Trump released a statement commending response teams: “Thank you to the United States Coast Guard for doing such an incredible job of rescue, and other work, having to do with the crash of the two ships in Louisiana. Likewise, all of Law Enforcement and First Responders were fantastic!”
Trump noted the absence of fatalities in what he called a “major collision” and thanked Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry for his leadership during the crisis.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by multiple agencies, with no immediate explanation for how the accident occurred. The incident has drawn significant attention due to its location near one of America’s busiest ports and the dramatic nature of the vessel sinking.
Source: www.thegatewaypundit.com — https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/11/developing-rescue-operation-underway-after-tanker-collides-river/