FBI investigating possible murder on cruise ship off Galveston coast

FBI investigating possible murder on cruise ship off Galveston coast by The Associated Press Mon, November 9, 2026 at 5:06 PM Updated Mon, November 9, 2026 at 7:38 PM The MSC Seascape cruise ship is visible above the newly opened cruise terminal near 16th Street and Harborside Drive in Galveston, Texas, Friday, Nov., 7, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via AP) Comment on this story 1 Comment Share story Share topics: FBI Cruise ship Suspected homicide Galveston MSC Seascape High seas MSC Cruises Carnival Cruise HOUSTON (AP) — The FBI is investigating a “suspected homicide” aboard a cruise ship that returned to port after departing from Galveston, Texas, the agency said in a statement Monday. The FBI did not provide further details, saying the investigation was ongoing. The company that operates the MSC Seascape said the vessel has since resumed its voyage and left Galveston as of Monday afternoon. “On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston,” Natasha Fernandez, a spokesperson for MSC Cruises, said in a statement. The company is cooperating with authorities and providing support to those impacted, she said. 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. STATEMENT FROM MSC CRUISES: On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary. 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. Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet IH-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin A single-vehicle crash near FM 725 and Interstate 10 prompted road closures in Seguin on Sunday afternoon, according to the Seguin Police Department.In a traffic alert posted to Facebook, police said at 1:30 p.m. on Fried Chicken Sandwich Day: Where to find the best deals National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day brings free and discounted sandwiches to San Antonio, with app and rewards deals from Popeyes, Wingstop, McDonald’s, Whataburger, KFC and more as chicken sandwich demand keeps rising. Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Gov.-elect Hinojosa wants to expand Medicaid in Texas, will need more than executive order **The headline has been edited due to character limits NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 12 NEW Family sues Camp Mystic owners as wrongful-death pause lifts amid bankruptcy 13 NEW Trial date 'tentatively set' for man accused of murdering actor Jonathan Joss 4 NEW Deep dive into Mayor Jones's legislative priority amendment 4 Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones speaks on midterm election results, cost of living, ICE facility