Dispatch audio captures frantic rescue response after New Orleans cruise ship collision
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Newly released dispatch audio has offered a glimpse into the emergency response after a tanker struck a cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
The recording, captured by Broadcastify, features calls between emergency officials as first responders mobilized to assist with search and rescue efforts following the collision on Friday, November 13.
An automated voice can be heard reporting a watercraft in distress, while a dispatch operator provides details about the vessel's location and the help being sent to the scene.
WATCH: The moment a tanker struck a river cruise ship in New Orleans, triggering an emergency rescue operation. Rescue crews are responding, with passengers and crew members on board at the time of the collision. https://t.co/miSH3pk3qz
— GlobalWire (@_GlobalWire_) November 13, 2026
Broadcastify captures first alert after New Orleans cruise ship crash
The dispatch recording begins with an automated alert announcing, "Watercraft in distress, 1384 New Orleans Place."
An operator can then be heard calling for assistance from New Orleans officials as emergency crews respond to the incident.
The audio offers a glimpse into the early moments of the response, with officials sharing information about the vessel and the resources being sent to help.
Three tugboats sent to assist vessel in Mississippi River
During the call, the dispatch operator described the scene and confirmed that several vessels are nearby.
"There is a green vessel; we have three tugboats en route and ships around it," the operator said.
The operator also gave the location of the vessel, saying, "It's under the Crescent City Connection behind the Convention Center."
The details in the recording show how emergency officials were coordinating assistance as the situation unfolded on the Mississippi River.
All passengers and crew members have been accounted for after tanker collides with cruise ship
At around 12.30 pm local time, the Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage cruise ship near the Port of New Orleans. Around 197 passengers and crew members were aboard the docked cruise ship at the time of the collision.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for and that 32 people were taken to local hospitals with non-critical injuries.
Officials have yet to provide details about what caused the crash.
