NEW ORLEANS — A boat with nearly 130 people aboard was struck by a tanker on the Mississippi River on Friday afternoon, WWL reports.

Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel responded and began conducting rescue and response operations.

Passengers aboard the cruise vessel are being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for assistance.

The crash happened around 12:30 pm on the river near the Crescent City Connection when the Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with The American Heritage as passengers were disembarking. 

WWL reported that at least eight people were hospitalized, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said that he received a text saying "everyone was accounted for, we believe."

So far, 14 people have been rescued by the Creole Queen, according to WWL. 

The number of people injured is currently unknown. 

American Cruise Lines released the following statement:

American Cruise Lines can confirm that our riverboat, American Heritage was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans. We are in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved. We will share more information as it becomes available.

Gov. Jeff Landry said that he is in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. He is currently en route to New Orleans. 

@LAGovJeffLandry Wild. Heard all the sirens and the chopper circling and knew something was up. https://t.co/iiEBnhDWoh

— NOLA Street Swimming Club (@HurricanesBlow) November 13, 2026

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?? OFFICIAL UPDATE: New Orleans Mayor confirms multiple individuals have been rescued following the collision between a cargo ship and a riverboat cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing as public safety agencies coordinate response efforts. Ship Crash - Mississippi River - American Heritage - Atlantic Asphalt - Port NOLA

— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) November 13, 2026