The U.S. Coast Guard detained the cruise ship MSC Poesia at PortMiami on Sunday for an expanded inspection. A cruise that was set to begin that day has been delayed.
The Coast Guard’s Miami sector is checking whether the ship meets international maritime standards and U.S. regulations. The vessel is docked at Terminal AA, which MSC Cruises uses. The MSC Poesia was scheduled to leave Miami on Sunday for an 11-day cruise of the western and southern Caribbean.
The Coast Guard said its job is to verify safe and efficient maritime commerce. The captain of the port’s priority is the safety of passengers, crew, the vessel and the environment.
Officials did not say what prompted the expanded inspection or how long the ship would remain detained. Neither the cruise line nor the Coast Guard explained how the delay would affect later ports of call.
MSC Cruises said in a statement that the ship’s departure was delayed while the inspection was carried out in port. The company said it is cooperating fully with the authorities. According to the Coast Guard, the ship was detained with passengers on board, and its sailing schedule was put on hold. MSC says the vessel can carry more than 3,200 passengers and more than 1,000 crew members, but it is not known how many people are currently on board.
People who have booked a cruise on the MSC Poesia should check announcements from the cruise line. As of Tuesday morning, no information had been released on the completion of the inspection.
Source: Local 10
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
