The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard the MSC Seascape after the cruise ship returned to Galveston, Texas, on Monday, 9 November.
An FBI maritime liaison agent from the bureau’s Texas City Resident Agency is working with the US Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and MSC Cruises.
The vessel had left Galveston on Sunday before being instructed to return to port following what MSC described as a guest incident. It later resumed its planned itinerary and was seen leaving the port.
Man held in connection with cruise ship investigation
Jason Leon Watford was taken to Galveston County Jail on an FBI hold by port police, according to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office. The booking was recorded in connection with an “on-view murder investigation”.
Footage showed Watford being escorted from the MSC Seascape by law enforcement officers before being taken to the jail.
Authorities have not released the identity of the person who died, or provided details about the circumstances of the suspected homicide. It is also unclear what charges, if any, Watford may face.
MSC Cruises said it had been told by authorities to return to the Port of Galveston and was co-operating with the investigation.
“We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted,” the company said. “The ship has since left the port and resumed its planned itinerary.”
The FBI has not released further information while the investigation remains ongoing.
