Riverboat that sails through Memphis struck by tanker in New Orleans; rescues underway

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A riverboat that sails through Memphis was struck by a tanker while docked in New Orleans Friday, prompting a rescue operation on the Mississippi River.

The American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage was docked outside Port of New Orleans Place when the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with it around 12:30 p.m., according to the Port of New Orleans.

About 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, were aboard the riverboat at the time, the port said. The vessel had docked two hours earlier to begin letting passengers off.

Multiple people had been rescued as of 2:10 p.m., according to New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s communications team. Search-and-rescue operations remained underway, and passengers were being brought inside the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, the port said.

The American Heritage regularly visits Memphis and docks at Mud Island. Its itineraries have included trips between Memphis and New Orleans.

Before Friday’s collision, the boat was scheduled to sail on the lower Mississippi River during spring 2027. A June 27, 2027, sailing was listed from Memphis to Huntsville, Alabama, and the boat was also scheduled for a Great Smoky Mountains land-and-cruise itinerary in summer 2027. The Smokies trip combines land excursions with a cruise on the Tennessee River.

Sources say the boat was in Memphis last month before sailing to New Orleans.

Action News 5 has reached out to Memphis tourism who is referring all questions to the cruise line.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was aware of the incident and was heading to New Orleans as of 2 p.m.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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