The US Coast Guard has detained the cruise ship “MSC Poesia” following a port state control inspection in Miami. The inspection revealed defects in the ship’s technical systems.
The US Coast Guard recently detained the cruise ship “MSC Poesia” in the port of Miami. During an inspection by the relevant Port State Control Team, defects were found in the ship’s systems. The ship, built in 2008 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, is not permitted to leave the port for the time being.
“We have identified defects in the ship’s systems, which we are working with MSC to rectify,” explained Captain Frank Florio, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami. The authority is currently unable to comment on the specific issues due to the ongoing investigation.
According to the Coast Guard, the “MSC Poesia” will remain in the port of Miami until the identified faults have been rectified and the authorities give the ship clearance to continue its voyage.
The passengers had already boarded the ship. Originally, the “MSC Poesia” was due to leave Miami and call at ports in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize, amongst others, on its voyage. It was scheduled to return to Miami on 12 November.
The cruise line, MSC Cruises, confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday. According to the company, a regulatory issue had arisen prior to the planned departure which, despite best efforts, could not be resolved in time. The passengers affected are to be refunded the full cost of their cruise. MSC Cruises is also assisting guests with organising their journey home. According to the company, passengers may remain on board until Thursday to organise their onward travel.
The “MSC Poesia”, which sails under the Panamanian flag, belongs to MSC Cruises’ “Musica” class. The 293.8-metre-long vessel, with a gross tonnage of 92,627, has 1,223 cabins and can accommodate up to 3,223 passengers as well as around 1,039 crew members.
