MSC Poesia’s Miami Detention Has Become a Criminal Investigation

The detention that cancelled an MSC Poesia sailing earlier this month has turned into something more serious. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a criminal investigation into the ship over a possible “magic pipe,” improvised plumbing used to send oily waste overboard while bypassing the oily water separator, according to a U.S. official familiar with the probe who spoke to CBS News. Such discharges are illegal under federal law and the international MARPOL convention.

The official said the ship is being investigated for allegedly routing oil into its gray-water system, which carries runoff from sinks and showers and can legally be discharged at sea away from shore. The investigation could reach crew members, the ship’s owner and others who may be liable. No charges have been filed and no targets have been named, and MSC had not commented by publication.

The Coast Guard detained MSC Poesia at PortMiami from November 1 after an inspection, saying it had identified deficiencies with systems on board. MSC called it a regulatory matter that could not be resolved before departure, and cancelled the 11-night Caribbean cruise, giving guests a full refund and a 100 percent future cruise credit. The ship was cleared and sailed on November 12 on a 10-night trip to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, San Juan and Puerto Plata.

There is precedent for how these cases can end. In 2016, Princess Cruises pleaded guilty to seven felonies and paid a $40 million fine over magic-pipe dumping, followed by years of court supervision. Passengers currently booked on MSC Poesia are sailing normally, but anyone with an upcoming departure should keep an eye on messages from MSC and their travel advisor while the investigation runs its course.

Sources: CBS News, The Maritime Executive