The U.S. Coast Guard has detained the MSC Poesia cruise ship at the Port of Miami while officials carry out an inspection, delaying the vessel’s scheduled departure and leaving passengers on board as the process continues.
The ship was detained by the Coast Guard’s Miami sector on Sunday. Officials are checking whether the vessel meets international maritime standards and U.S. regulations, according to a statement provided to CBS News.
Why Was the MSC Poesia Cruise Ship Detained?
The Coast Guard said the inspection is focused on verifying the ship’s compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
In a statement to CBS News on Monday, the agency said its teams were examining whether the cruise ship meets applicable international standards and U.S. rules.
Officials also emphasized that protecting passengers, crew members, the vessel and the marine environment remains a priority during the inspection.
The Coast Guard has not publicly identified a specific violation or provided details about what prompted the inspection.
MSC Cruises Confirms Departure Delay
MSC Cruises confirmed that the ship’s departure had been postponed while the Coast Guard carried out its inspection at the Miami port.
The company said it was cooperating fully with authorities and would provide updates to passengers about the vessel’s expected departure.
MSC Cruises also said it could not share further information while the inspection remained underway. The company thanked guests for their patience and understanding as officials continued their work.
More Than 3,200 Passenger Capacity
According to MSC Cruises, the MSC Poesia can accommodate more than 3,200 passengers and has a crew of over 1,000 members.
However, the company has not confirmed how many passengers and crew members were aboard when the Coast Guard detained the vessel.
The ship remains at the Port of Miami, with its itinerary on hold until the inspection process is completed.
Coast Guard Inspection Keeps Cruise Schedule on Hold
The delay comes as the Coast Guard continues its examination of the vessel. The agency has not announced when the inspection will be completed or when the ship will receive clearance to depart.
MSC Cruises is keeping passengers informed about developments, but an updated departure time has not been confirmed in the available statements.
