FBI probes death on cruise ship forced back to Galveston after one day at sea

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining a suspected killing on a cruise ship that made an abrupt return to Galveston, Texas, on Monday.

The MSC Seascape left port at 4 p.m. Sunday for a weeklong journey. It was ordered back to shore just one day later. The vessel had been scheduled to stay at sea until November 15. Its route included stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Roatan, Honduras. The first planned port call was set for Wednesday in Costa Maya.

FBI Houston agents arrived at the ship when it docked on November 9. The bureau's Texas City Resident Agency is leading the effort. A Maritime Liaison Agent is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, and Customs and Border Protection. The FBI holds primary federal authority over crimes committed on the high seas.

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office said a man was taken into the county jail on Monday. Port Police placed the individual on an FBI hold for the murder investigation. No further details about the suspect have been released. The agency has not identified the person who died, including their name, age, or nationality.

MSC Cruises stated that authorities directed the ship to return after the company reported an incident involving a guest. An MSC Cruises spokesperson said the line is cooperating fully with the investigation. The company noted that the ship has already left the port and resumed its planned itinerary. The spokesperson added that the company is supporting those impacted.

The Seascape entered service in 2022 and sails under the flag of Malta. The vessel has 2,270 cabins across 19 decks. It carries more than 5,800 passengers and about 1,600 crew members. Authorities have not said when or where the incident occurred aboard the ship. They have also not explained how the person died.