FBI Investigates Suspected Homicide Aboard MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape resumed its seven-night Caribbean voyage after several hours in Galveston, with calls at Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel still scheduled.
Updated November 10, 2026
The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard MSC Seascape after authorities ordered the ship back to Galveston, Texas, and took a suspect into custody, the agency said Monday. MSC Cruises said the vessel had departed again by Monday afternoon to continue its Caribbean voyage.
The Galveston County Sheriff's Office confirmed to television station KYTX that Jason Leon Watford, 48, was a suspect in the investigation. He was being held at the county jail on a federal hold Monday evening. Authorities had not announced charges in the death.
Smith County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Clayton Taylor confirmed that Watford was the same man arrested in Smith County in September 2024 on a charge of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Court records show he was sentenced in November 2024 to 15 months of probation and 30 hours of community service.
FBI Houston did not identify the person in custody in its statement on X, citing the need to notify the victim's family. The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that the victim was a woman. Authorities have not disclosed further details about her identity or the circumstances surrounding the death.
MSC Cruises said authorities directed the vessel to return after the company reported an incident involving a guest. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation,” the line said in a statement, adding that it was supporting those affected.
Federal and local agencies coordinate investigation
An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Port of Galveston Police Department, as well as Customs and Border Protection and MSC Cruises. The bureau declined to release further details while the investigation remains open.
The FBI's authority to investigate potential crimes at sea depends on several factors, including the location of the offense, the vessel's nationality and the nationalities of the suspect and victim. Federal maritime jurisdiction is defined in part by 18 U.S.C. § 7. An FBI investigation and the statutory basis required for a federal prosecution are separate questions.
Caribbean voyage resumes
The affected sailing is a seven-night cruise that departed Galveston on Sunday, November 8. The ship has used Galveston as its homeport since moving from Miami last November.
The ship spent several hours back at the port before leaving again around noon Monday. Passengers cited by Cruise Hive said onboard announcements indicated the ship would recover the lost time and retain all scheduled port visits.
The itinerary's first scheduled call is Costa Maya on Wednesday, November 11. Roatan and Cozumel are also on the route. The ship is scheduled to return to Galveston for debarkation on Sunday, November 15.
