Rescuers are responding after a tanker collided with the paddlewheel passenger vessel American Heritage in New Orleans. The Port of New Orleans said more than 130 people were aboard the vessel.
Der Spiegel reported that images showed the American Heritage capsized and largely underwater. Video from the scene appeared to show the tanker striking the excursion vessel while it was apparently alongside a quay. People wearing life jackets could be seen in the Mississippi River.
Local broadcaster Fox 8 reported that several people had already been brought to safety. At the time of the report, it was not known whether anyone had died or been injured.
According to the Associated Press, the American Heritage had just completed an eight-day cruise to destinations along the Mississippi. American Cruise Lines operates the vessel, built in 2015 and five storeys high, which can carry up to 150 passengers. MarineTraffic describes the tanker involved as specialising in the transport of large quantities of asphalt and bitumen.
A capsized vessel does not establish responsibility for the collision. Further accounts will depend on authorities' information about the sequence of events, the rescue outcome and any casualties. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said on X that he had been informed of the incident and was travelling to New Orleans.
Sources
- Der Spiegel · Source date: 2026-11-13
Independent editorial content. WUA is not affiliated with any political party. 2026-11-13