USA: At least 32 passengers were hospitalised after an oil tanker collided with a river cruise boat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, November 13, causing the vessel to partially submerge. The American Heritage paddleboat was carrying 129 passengers when it was struck by the 160-metre-long tanker Atlantic Asphalt at around 12:30 pm local time.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that all passengers had been accounted for, with 32 receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. Officials said none of the injured passengers had suffered critical injuries. The collision took place as passengers were disembarking from the cruise boat, which had docked approximately two hours earlier.

According to reports, the tanker lost control and struck the cruise vessel, causing it to begin sinking before eventually overturning. Several passengers were thrown into the river, prompting an emergency rescue operation. Nearby vessels and emergency responders helped pull people from the water, while more than a dozen passengers wearing life jackets were rescued. The Coast Guard, fire department and port police were among the teams deployed to the scene.

The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, has a capacity of up to 150 passengers and was completing an eight-day cruise covering destinations across Louisiana and Mississippi. The company confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been safely evacuated.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the cause of the tanker losing control and whether it was carrying cargo at the time of the incident.