The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape after the vessel was ordered to return to the Port of Galveston, Texas. A suspect has been taken into custody, although authorities have not confirmed whether formal charges have been filed. The suspect’s identity has been withheld pending notification of the victim’s family.
The incident was reported while the ship was operating a Caribbean cruise itinerary. Following instructions from law enforcement, MSC Seascape returned to Galveston to allow authorities to conduct their investigation. MSC Cruises confirmed that it was cooperating with the relevant agencies and providing assistance to those affected by the incident.
The vessel resumed its voyage and departed Galveston on Monday afternoon. MSC Seascape, which accommodates ~5,900 passengers across 2,270 cabins and carries 1,600+ crew members, operates 5- and 7-night Caribbean itineraries from the Texas port. The ship was redeployed from Miami to Galveston in November 2025.
Homicide investigations involving cruise ships remain relatively uncommon, although similar cases have been reported in the US cruise industry.
For more MSC Seascape incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.