FBI investigates suspected homicide aboard MSC Seascape cruise ship returned to Galveston

The MSC Seascape cruise ship returned unexpectedly to the port of Galveston, Texas, after authorities ordered it back following a report of a suspected homicide aboard. The vessel had departed Galveston on Sunday, November 8, 2026, for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise with scheduled stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.

The FBI Houston office confirmed it is responding to the suspected homicide aboard the MSC Seascape, which docked in Galveston on November 9, 2026. A maritime liaison agent based in Texas City is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Galveston Port Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises.

“This ain't no medical emergency. This is something else.”

The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the deceased person is a woman whose identity has not been released. An autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

A man has been taken into custody in connection with the suspected homicide and was transferred to Galveston County Jail under a federal order. The FBI has not released his name or the charges he may face, pending notification of the victim's family.

Passengers reported hearing announcements about a medical emergency during the early morning hours and saw crew members wearing gloves. One passenger described seeing police escort a handcuffed man across the pier from a balcony.

MSC Cruises stated that authorities instructed the ship to return to Galveston after reporting an incident involving a passenger. The company said it is cooperating fully with authorities and supporting affected individuals.

The ship resumed its voyage and departed Galveston on Monday afternoon with the remaining passengers still aboard. The MSC Seascape has 2,270 cabins, more than 1,600 crew members, and capacity for nearly 5,900 passengers, according to the company's website.