FBI Investigates Suspected Homicide Aboard MSC Seascape in Galveston

The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide that occurred aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship before it docked in Galveston, Texas, on Monday, Nov. 9, the FBI’s Houston field office said in a post on X.

The FBI said it is not releasing further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

"As is customary with crimes aboard a cruise ship," the FBI said it is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and the cruise line.

An MSC Cruises spokesperson addressed the incident in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, confirming that the cruise line is cooperating with authorities.

"On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston," the spokesperson said. "We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary."

The spokesperson added, "As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details. Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time."

The company that operates the MSC Seascape said the vessel has since resumed its voyage and left Galveston as of Monday afternoon.

MSC Seascape currently runs from Galveston to the Caribbean for five- and seven-night stays, according to the company’s website. The towering white vessel has 2,270 cabins, more than 1,600 crew and can host nearly 5,900 guests. The ship switched from Miami to Galveston last November, according to a news release.

Homicide investigations on cruise ships are uncommon. Earlier this year, a teenager was charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship out of Florida.

"The FBI is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas," the bureau noted in a post on X.

A spokesperson for the cruise line tells PEOPLE, "We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted."

Further details were not immediately known.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.