Terrifying moment holiday couple film tanker heading straight towards them to sink their cruise ship - before 180 lives are saved in Miracle of the Mississippi

Detailed summary

The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked on the river in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was hit by the Atlantic Asphalt shortly after midday.

Published: 11:53 GMT, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 12:23 GMT, 14 November 2026

A couple on a docked cruise ship which capsized in the Mississippi River filmed the terrifying moment a huge tanker headed straight for them before crashing into the vessel on Friday.

The American Heritage, operated by American Cruise Lines, was docked on the river in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday when it was hit by the 520-foot long Atlantic Asphalt shortly after midday.

A remarkable rescue effort saw all 180 people on board saved in what has been dubbed the 'miracle on the Mississippi', thanks to heroic efforts from the US Coast Guard, other emergency services and members of the public.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said Friday around 4pm local time that 32 passengers from the cruise ship were in local hospitals. None had critical injuries.

Two of the people being treated at hospitals are New Orleans Harbor Police officers who dove into the water to rescue passengers, Ms Moreno said.

Disturbing images emerged showing passengers aboard the cruise liner holding on to railings for their lives as the ship started to capsize.

Now new video footage has emerged showing a couple filming the approaching tanker, before suddenly realising a collision was imminent.

The clip, shared on social media, was initially filmed from a balcony in one of the cruise liner's cabins, and showed the green and red tanker heading directly for the ship.

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