Cruise Ship SINKS After Tanker Makes Bizarre 90° Turn – What Went Wrong?

A cruise ship capsizes in New Orleans after being struck by a tanker that appears to make an extraordinary 90-degree alteration of course. What went wrong, and could this maritime disaster have been prevented?

On Friday 13 November 2026, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt collided with American Heritage, a river cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, while she was docked alongside the Mississippi River in New Orleans.

The impact caused the passenger vessel to take on water and capsize, with terrifying footage showing passengers desperately trying to escape. Miraculously, everyone survived, although 32 people were hospitalised.

In this episode former Merchant Navy deck officerJay examines the collision footage, AIS vessel-tracking data and the possible causes behind the tanker's dramatic alteration of course.

Was this a steering gear failure, an electrical blackout, human error or something else entirely?

We investigate:

- The tanker's apparent 80–90-degree course alteration before impact.
- AIS data showing the vessel travelling at approximately 10.8 knots before the collision.
- Whether steering gear or electrical failure could explain the sudden deviation.
- The role of bank effect, river currents and human error.
- Why the crew's apparent attempt to deploy the anchors failed to prevent the collision.
- How the impact caused American Heritage to capsize so rapidly.
- The similarities with the Dali container ship disaster in Baltimore and the Ever Given grounding in the Suez Canal.

Having worked at sea, we offer our professional opinion on what may have happened, the questions investigators need to answer and the serious maritime safety implications of this extraordinary incident.

Disclaimer: This video contains footage and discussion of a serious maritime accident that some viewers may find distressing. Our analysis is based on publicly available information, AIS tracking data and video footage. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been officially established. Any discussion of potential mechanical failures, electrical faults or human error represents opinion and analysis, not confirmed investigative findings.

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