Search crews responded to the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Nov. 13 after a tanker struck the American Heritage river cruise paddleboat with 129 passengers and crew members on board.
President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that nobody was killed, but 32 people were hospitalized.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Likewise, all of Law Enforcement and First Responders were fantastic!”
The collision happened near the Crescent City Connection, close to the French Quarter.
American Cruise Lines said its American Heritage boat was hit while it was docked.
“Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” American Cruise Lines wrote in a social media post.
Eyewitness video posted online showed the green and orange Atlantic Asphalt vessel hit the paddlewheel cruise boat as it appeared to be still at the dock.
As of 5 p.m. ET, Coast Guard crews were on scene with the New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS, and other local partners.
Officials closed the river to all water traffic in the area.
Emergency personnel and crews are on the scene after a tanker crashed into a river cruise in New Orleans on Nov. 13, 2026. (Enan Chediak/The Advocate via AP)
“I am devastated to hear about the ships crashing near the Port of New Orleans,” Carter wrote. “I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the swift rescue of survivors and for all emergency crews responding to the situation.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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