On Friday afternoon local time, the American Heritage, a paddlewheeler operated by American Cruise Lines, was struck by a cargo vessel named Atlantic Asphalt while moored at the Port of New Orleans.
Collision and Immediate Response
The incident occurred around 13:30 EST (18:30 GMT), when reports began emerging of passengers attempting to evacuate the ship as it listed and eventually lay on its side in the Mississippi River. According to officials from the Port of New Orleans, there were approximately 129 people aboard — including both passengers and crew members — at the time of impact.
Witness Jamie Holford, speaking to CBS News via BBC’s US partner, described hearing a sound he likened to "a war movie," with steel crunching violently. He reported seeing passengers and crew members shouting and crying as they tried to escape during the sinking process.
Rescue Operations
Tugboat operators, local police, and emergency responders quickly mobilized. The Mississippi River was temporarily closed to all traffic in order to facilitate search and rescue efforts. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno stated that full credit for the successful evacuation went to first responders who 'literally jumped right in' to assist.
'We have zero people unaccounted for,' Moreno said at a news conference, calling it a 'miracle on the Mississippi.' She emphasized that no one is missing despite the severity of the incident.
Injuries and Aftermath
As of reporting, 32 individuals from the American Heritage are hospitalized with non-critical injuries. The vessel has not been declared lost or damaged beyond repair; however, its structural integrity was compromised after impact.
The American Heritage, built in 2015 and capable of carrying up to 150 guests, features four decks including a glass-enclosed restaurant, fitness center, and three guest lounges. It had completed an eight-day cruise along Mississippi River destinations before the collision.
Official Statements and Investigations
US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said there appears to be 'some type of loss of steering' during the incident — though this remains unconfirmed as a cause. The exact reason for the collision is still under investigation by authorities.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, Governor Jeff Landry, and US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin all publicly praised the rescue effort. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling it an 'incredible job,' while Governor Landry described the outcome as a 'miracle on the Mississippi' due to the large number of people aboard.
The Port of New Orleans has not released official data about how many passengers or crew members were evacuated in real time, nor whether any individuals sustained serious injuries beyond those reported medically. All information available pertains only to confirmed hospitalizations with non-critical conditions.