All 130 passengers rescued after cruise ship collision in New Orleans

About 130 people on the American Heritage cruise ship were rescued after the vessel was struck by the tanker Atlantic Asphalt on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.

The collision left the paddlewheeler on its side, prompting emergency crews to evacuate passengers and crew. Thirty‑two people were taken to hospital with non‑critical injuries, and no one was reported missing.

US Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said the incident appeared to involve a loss of steering, while New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno credited first responders for the successful rescue, calling it “a miracle on the Mississippi.”

Calls reporting the crash began around 13:30 EST (18:30 GMT) on Friday. Tugboats, police and other rescuers responded, and the Mississippi River was temporarily closed for the operation.

The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was completing an eight‑day Mississippi River cruise. The vessel, built in 2015, can accommodate up to 150 guests and includes a glass‑enclosed restaurant, fitness centre and three lounges.

President Donald Trump praised the rescue on social media, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin confirmed Coast Guard support for the local effort. Governor Jeff Landry also described the outcome as a miracle given the number of people rescued.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels.