FBI investigates suspected homicide aboard MSC Seascape cruise ship

The FBI has launched an investigation into a suspected homicide aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship, which returned to the Port of Galveston in Texas on Monday, November 9, following an incident involving a passenger.

According to ABC News, citing the FBI’s Houston field office, a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the investigation. Federal authorities have withheld the suspect’s identity pending notification of the victim’s family, while the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain under investigation.

The Galveston County medical examiner was expected to conduct an autopsy on Tuesday, November 10, to establish further details surrounding the death. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the cause of death or the circumstances of the incident.

The FBI said its maritime liaison agent is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and MSC Cruises. The agency has declined to release additional information while the investigation remains active.

MSC Cruises confirmed that the vessel was instructed by authorities to return to Galveston after the company reported an incident involving a guest.

“On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson said.

The cruise line stated that it was cooperating with investigators and providing support to those affected. Following its return to port, MSC Seascape departed Galveston and resumed its scheduled itinerary.

The vessel operates Caribbean cruises from Galveston, which became its home port in November 2025. The ship had departed on a scheduled Caribbean voyage before returning to Texas following the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities yet to announce further findings or publicly confirm any criminal charges.