In the recent history of the maritime industry, the most famous instance of a "runaway" ship involves the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. In early 2022, both ships diverted to the Bahamas instead of returning to US ports to avoid being seized by US Marshals due to millions of dollars in unpaid fuel bills following the collapse of their parent company, Genting Hong Kong. As of early 2026, the "unpaid bills" narrative has shifted; most major lines have stabilized post-pandemic, though smaller, niche operators occasionally face similar liens. Specifically, creditors often target older vessels of struggling budget lines. While no major "high-seas chase" is currently unfolding in February 2026, the Crystal Cruises incident remains the ultimate cautionary tale of "maritime arrest," where a captain may choose to stay in international waters or "friendly" ports to prevent the ship from being chained to a pier and sold at auction to settle outstanding debts with fuel suppliers or port authorities.