A docked riverboat has partially sunk in the middle of New Orleans. The American Heritage, a small river cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, capsized at roughly 12:30 p.m. on 13 November after the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck it while it was moored at the Port of New Orleans. Around 129 passengers were aboard, and many were mid-disembarkation when the tanker — reportedly experiencing an electrical fault — rammed into the boat's side near the Crescent City Connection bridge on the city side of the Mississippi.

The response was immediate and large-scale. Port NOLA Harbor Police, the New Orleans Fire and Police Departments, US Coast Guard crews and medics launched rescue operations, pulling people from the water. Passengers were taken to the Port of New Orleans Administration Building for triage. Early reports indicated eight people were transported to a local hospital, with more than 80 treated at the port itself. Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed multiple rescues and said search-and-rescue efforts were still active; Governor Jeff Landry headed to the city, and the White House said President Trump had been briefed.

The Coast Guard has partially closed the Mississippi at the incident site near mile marker 96, which will affect other river traffic in the area. The American Heritage ended up rolled against the dock and largely submerged — photos showed the tanker's bow pressed into the riverboat. Neither the number of injuries nor the precise cause has been confirmed, and American Cruise Lines had not issued a public statement as the story broke.

For anyone booked on a Mississippi river cruise, this is the kind of story to watch closely rather than panic over. River cruising on the Mississippi has grown fast in recent years, with American Cruise Lines and rivals adding ships on routes out of New Orleans, Memphis and St Louis. Small riverboats dock right in the heart of cities, so port collisions — while rare — can happen in busy commercial waterways shared with tankers and cargo ships. Travellers with upcoming sailings should check with their cruise line for schedule updates, since Coast Guard closures of the river can delay departures and itineraries even after this incident is resolved. The Port of New Orleans has stressed that this is an active, evolving operation, so expect official figures on injuries and causes to change over the coming days.

This story develops; check operator updates before travelling.