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Coast Guard launches criminal investigation into MSC Poesia cruise ship over potential "magic pipe"
CBS News • • business
Key Points:
- The MSC Poesia cruise ship, recently cleared to leave the Port of Miami, is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard for allegedly illegally discharging oil at sea using a "magic pipe" system.
- The "magic pipe" method involves diverting oil discharges into the ship's gray water system, which is illegal under federal law despite gray water normally being allowed to discharge at sea under certain conditions.
- The investigation may hold crew members, the vessel owner, and others involved criminally liable for the illegal discharge.
- The MSC Poesia was detained earlier this month after the Coast Guard found deficiencies in its systems, with over 2,000 passengers on board at that time.
- MSC Cruises has been contacted for comment, and potential penalties for using a "magic pipe" could include substantial fines.
