Two Titusville, Florida, residents—Peggy and Meredith Cooper—were on board the American Heritage riverboat when a tanker collided with the vessel Friday afternoon on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. The impact caused the riverboat to list, take on water and begin sinking, prompting a rapid evacuation of the more than 120 passengers.

What happened

According to officials from American Cruise Lines, the tanker struck the riverboat about one deck below the passenger cabin. “We saw it coming and you think it’s not going to hit us, and then, bam!” Cooper told WESH 2 News. She described the force of the impact as “tremendous,” noting that lamps fell and the wharf area was “unbelievably smashed,” making it difficult for many passengers to reach the ramp.

The vessel began to tilt onto its side, forcing passengers to walk along the exposed side of the boat. Most of those affected were in the dining room, the area directly hit by the tanker. “People had no clue what happened,” Cooper said.

Rescue and medical response

Emergency crews quickly secured the scene and guided passengers to a safe landing area. Thirty‑two passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from minor cuts to more serious trauma. All hospitalized individuals are expected to recover fully.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised the outcome, calling it “a literal miracle on the Mississippi.” The Cooper couple expressed gratitude for the swift response, saying they were “totally grateful that nothing more happened to us and with this group.”

Aftermath and support

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the tanker collision. In the meantime, the Cooper family was provided with clothing, toiletries and temporary lodging while they arrange travel back home, which they plan to do on Saturday.

American Cruise Lines has pledged to cooperate fully with investigators and to keep passengers informed as more details become available.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.