NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard a cruise ship that was ordered back to Texas just one day after setting sail on a weeklong voyage to Mexico and Honduras.
FBI Houston said agents responded Monday to the MSC Seascape after the ship docked in Galveston, Texas.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 26 Houston that Jason Leon Watford, 48, was brought to the Galveston County Jail on an FBI hold by Port Police on Monday for a murder investigation. Jail records showed he was booked on the federal hold, but no other details were immediately available.
Jason Leon Watford was booked in the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold. (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
SECRET EVIDENCE FILED IN ANNA KEPNER CARNIVAL CRUISE MURDER CASE AS FEDS PUSH TO JAIL ACCUSED STEPBROTHER
The MSC Seascape is seen at the Port of Galveston in Texas. The ship later left the port and resumed its planned itinerary as the FBI investigated a suspected homicide aboard the vessel. (2025 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle)
Few details about what happened aboard the ship have been released, including the identity of the person who died or the circumstances surrounding the suspected homicide.
“FBI Texas City is responding to a suspected homicide onboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship that docked in Galveston on November 9, 2026,” FBI Houston said in a statement.
A Maritime Liaison Agent from the bureau’s Texas City Resident Agency is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and MSC Cruises, the agency added.
‘HEAVILY INTOXICATED’ MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY BEATING CHILDREN ABOARD CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP, POLICE SAY
As the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas, the FBI works with local and federal partners when alleged crimes occur aboard cruise ships.
MSC Cruises told Fox News Digital that authorities instructed the Seascape to return to Galveston after the cruise line reported an incident involving a guest.
“We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson said.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
The MSC Seascape is docked in Galveston, Texas. The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard the cruise ship after authorities instructed it to return to port on Nov. 9, 2026. (2025 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle)
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS
“As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details,” the spokesperson added. “Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE FOX TRUE CRIME HUB
The Seascape had departed Galveston at 4 p.m. Sunday and was not scheduled to return until Nov. 15, according to CruiseMapper.
SEND US A TIP
The seven-night voyage included scheduled stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Roatan, Honduras. Its first scheduled port call was Wednesday in Costa Maya.
An aerial view of the Port of Galveston in Texas, where the MSC Seascape returned after the cruise line reported an incident involving a guest. (Getty Images)
GOT A TIP?
MSC Cruises describes the Seascape as a state-of-the-art ship offering seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, with voyages to destinations in Mexico and Honduras.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ‘CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO’ PODCAST
The ship can carry more than 5,800 passengers and about 1,600 crew members and has 2,270 cabins across 19 decks. The Seascape entered service in 2022 and sails under the flag of Malta.
GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL
Authorities have not said when or where aboard the ship the suspected homicide occurred, how the person died or whether anyone has been identified as a suspect.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The FBI also has not released the person’s name, age or nationality.
