The MSC Poesia cruise ship, which was cleared to depart the Port of Miami on Thursday after being detained earlier this month, is under criminal investigation for allegedly discharging oil illegally at sea, according to a U.S. official familiar with the probe.
The U.S. Coast Guard launched the investigation into a so-called "magic pipe" case, in which a ship transfers its oil discharge into its gray water system to bypass environmental laws. Gray water from sinks or showers can be discharged at sea at a safe distance from shore, but discharging oil through such systems is illegal.
The official stated the investigation could target crew members, the vessel owner, and anyone directly involved, who may face criminal liability.
The ship was originally detained after the Coast Guard identified "deficiencies with systems on board." At the time, MSC Cruises characterized the situation as a "regulatory matter." A source familiar with the matter said more than 2,000 people were on board the ship when it was held.
The investigation carries the potential for significant financial penalties. In 2016, Carnival's Princess Cruises was ordered to pay a $40 million fine and pleaded guilty to seven felony charges for a similar case involving the dumping of oily waste.
The MSC Poesia was cleared to leave the Port of Miami as of Thursday, and the Coast Guard's criminal probe is ongoing.