32 people injured after cruise ship collides with tanker on Mississippi River

A tanker lost control and crashed into a cruise ship on the Mississippi River, leaving 32 people injured.

American Cruise Lines said its river boat, American Heritage, was involved in a collision while it was docked in New Orleans, partially submerging the boat.

The cruise had 129 passengers on board.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene to carry out a major rescue operation.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has since confirmed that 29 passengers have been taken to hospital, with zero unaccounted for.

American Cruise Lines previously said in a statement: "We are in close coordination with the US Coast Guard and local authorities. Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved."

Video showed rescuers scrambling to get passengers in life jackets out of the river, with luggage and other debris seen floating in the water.

"The passenger vessel was reportedly taking on water and was seen lying on her side, with around 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, aboard at the time of the collision," ship tracking service MarineTraffic said.

At 160 metres, the tanker is twice the length of the 81-metre cruise ship, according to the service.

Lt. Krystal Wolfe, from the US Coastguard, confirmed that all vessel traffic is closed between mile markers 93 and 96 while the rescue operation is carried out.

The city's governor Jeff Landry posted on X: "We are aware of the incident on the Mississippi and we are in close contact with local officials and law enforcement. I am headed to New Orleans now."

The five-storey cruise ship, which can hold up to 150 passengers, was built in 2015 and is operated by American Cruise Lines.

It was finishing an eight-day cruise to various Mississippi River destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Eyewitness Jamie Holford told WDSU-TV: "Surreal - that's what that was. Fifteen minutes from impact to where it rolled over."

Devon Flanagan added: "It was just chaos. You had all types of ships, like other barges and other companies down there trying to help out, which also was a little convoluted because you had people still in the water."

The tanker specialises in carrying large quantities of asphalt and bitumen, a substance which is often used for road construction and roofing, according to MarineTraffic.

(c) Sky News 2026: 32 people injured after cruise ship collides with tanker on Mississippi River