Hero captain of New Orleans cruise ship that capsized in Mississippi River refused to leave boat until all passengers had been rescued despite being injured

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 520-foot long Atlantic Asphalt around 12.30pm.

Published: 23:42 GMT, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 23:54 GMT, 14 November 2026

The captain of the New Orleans cruise ship that capsized in the Mississippi River on Friday heroically refused to leave the boat until he made sure all passengers were accounted for, despite having been injured himself.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said Saturday that Captain Leonard Stewart stayed on board until he knew where the 191 passengers and crew on the boat were.

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 around 12.30pm.

Stewart was the last person to leave the boat, initially refusing medical attention as about 100 people ended up in the river.

American Cruise Lines said Saturday morning on X that Stewart had 'remained on the bridge as the vessel capsized, calling for aid and keeping the ship alongside the dock for as long as possible.'

The cruise line said Stewart and the ship crew's 'fast actions' had allowed for the vessel to be quickly evacuated after being hit by the tanker.

All of the passengers and crew on board survived, which Moreno said was 'truly a miracle on the Mississippi' on Friday.

As of Saturday, eight people remain hospitalized, including two in serious condition. Officials said yesterday that 32 people had been taken to hospitals.

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