MSC Poesia cruise ship leaves Miami as coast guard launches criminal investigation into potential illegal oil release

Probe focuses on alleged oil discharge

A U.S. official familiar with the investigation said the MSC Poesia is under scrutiny for allegedly releasing oil illegally at sea. The Coast Guard has opened a criminal investigation into the case.

The alleged method, called a “magic pipe,” involves moving oil discharge into a ship’s gray-water system. Federal law prohibits that practice, while gray water from sources such as sinks and showers may be released at sea if the vessel is sufficiently far from shore.

Possible targets of investigation

The inquiry could extend to crew members, the ship’s owner and anyone believed to have taken a direct role, the official said. Those involved could potentially face criminal liability.

CBS News said it had contacted MSC Cruises, which operates the vessel, for comment. The article did not report a response.

Ship was held at Miami port

MSC Cruises previously called the matter a “regulatory matter,” without giving further details. A source familiar with the situation told CBS News that more than 2,000 people were on the ship during its detention.

Past case resulted in major fine

A magic-pipe scheme could bring substantial fines, the report said. In 2016, Princess Cruises, part of Carnival, was fined $40 million for dumping oily waste into the ocean.