Coast Guard halts MSC Poesia at Port of Miami for inspection

The U.S. Coast Guard detained the cruise ship MSC Poesia at the Port of Miami on Sunday. The vessel remains docked with passengers and crew on board. The ship's itinerary is currently on hold.

Coast Guard officials announced the detention on Monday. They stated that their teams are verifying the ship's compliance with international standards and U.S. regulations. The Miami sector of the Coast Guard carried out the detention. A statement from the agency described its mission as verifying safe and secure commerce.

The Captain of the Port emphasized the priority of ensuring safety for passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment. MSC Cruises confirmed the delay in a statement to CBS News. The company noted that the departure was postponed while the Coast Guard conducted an inspection.

MSC Cruises said it is fully cooperating with authorities. The company explained that it could not provide further details while the inspection process was ongoing. It stated that guests are being kept informed about the anticipated departure. The company asked passengers for their continued patience and understanding.

The MSC Poesia has a capacity for more than 3,200 passengers and over 1,000 crew members. It is unclear how many people are currently on board. The ship remains in port as the inspection continues.