Tanker Collides With Cruise Ship in New Orleans as Suspicious Drone Activity Raises Alarm at U.S. Air Base in UK

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Emergency crews launched a major rescue operation Friday, Nov. 13, after a tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans, while a separate security incident involving suspected unauthorized drones prompted heightened precautions at an American military installation in England.

The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage riverboat around 12:30 p.m. local time. Approximately 129 passengers, along with crew members, were aboard the cruise ship when the collision occurred. The impact caused the vessel to partially submerge, sending emergency responders into action to rescue passengers from the water.

Multiple people have been rescued, according to local officials. The number of injuries and the cause of the collision remained unconfirmed as search-and-rescue operations continued. ABC News +1

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, U.S. military personnel at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England, were instructed to shelter in place following reports of suspicious drone activity near the installation.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that security personnel responded to suspected unauthorized drones but reported no damage to aircraft, infrastructure or injuries to personnel. The incident follows increased security concerns at American military installations in Britain, including the recent relocation of aircraft following reported threats.

Authorities have not established any connection between the maritime collision in Louisiana and the security incident in England. Both developments remain under scrutiny as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Reporting based on information available Friday afternoon, November 13, 2026. This is a developing story, and details may change.