If you were injured in the American Heritage cruise ship crash in New Orleans, seek medical care first. Then report your injury in writing and save your cruise ticket and a copy of your report. American Cruise Lines’ published passenger terms list separate deadlines for giving formal notice and filing a lawsuit.
Looking for someone who was aboard? For missing-person information, call 311 from within New Orleans or 504-539-3266 from outside the city. City of New Orleans 311 contact information
What happened on the Mississippi River?
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage river cruise ship on Friday, November 13, 2026. The American Cruise Lines vessel was docked at the Port of New Orleans. Early reports put 129 passengers aboard at the time of the collision. Responders pulled people from the Mississippi River, and the U.S. Coast Guard temporarily closed nearby river traffic. The cause of the collision and the full extent of injuries remained unclear at publication. Associated Press coverage · Reuters coverage
Get medical care after the crash
Seek prompt medical attention if you fell, hit your head, went into the river, or suffered an injury during evacuation. Call 911 for an emergency, including trouble breathing or serious symptoms after a head injury. Tell the treating team how you were injured and whether you had to be pulled from the water. If symptoms develop after you return home, contact a medical professional and explain what happened. Concussion symptoms can appear hours or days after a head injury. CDC guidance on concussion symptoms
Report your injury and save the evidence
Report your injury to American Cruise Lines in writing. Ask for a copy of any incident report and keep proof of what you sent and when. Ask a lawyer to review whether your report meets the ticket’s formal claim notice requirements.
Save your ticket contract, booking confirmation, itinerary, and messages from the cruise line. Keep original photos and videos, along with contact information for witnesses and travel companions. Write down where you were when the tanker struck and how you were injured. If the injury happened during evacuation, record where it occurred and who helped you.
Keep medical records, bills, and receipts for expenses related to your injury. If you miss work, save pay records and document the time you lost. Read any release carefully before signing it, even if it comes with an offer to reimburse expenses.
Who may be responsible for a passenger’s injuries?
Responsibility depends on what caused the collision and how each passenger was injured. A maritime investigation may examine the tanker’s navigation, communications between vessels, and the cruise ship’s response. An injury claim may involve the tanker’s owner or operator, the cruise line, or another party, depending on the evidence. Medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering may be recoverable when the facts and applicable law support the claim. Lawsuits will likely be filed in New Orleans where the injuries occurred.
Talk with Stag Liuzza about your cruise ship injury
If you were injured aboard the American Heritage or during the evacuation, Stag Liuzza can review your booking documents and explain what deadlines may apply. Bring your ticket, any incident report or correspondence, and the medical records you have. Request a free consultation with Stag Liuzza
