FBI takes suspect in custody after MSC Seascape guest death

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a suspected homicide aboard a cruise ship that made an unscheduled return to the Port of Galveston. A suspect has been taken into custody, the agency announced Monday.

FBI officials said they are withholding the suspect's name until the victim's family has been notified. The agency did not confirm whether formal charges had been filed. The investigation began after authorities directed the vessel to return to port following a reported guest incident.

The MSC Seascape departed Galveston for a Caribbean itinerary. The ship features 2,270 cabins and carries more than 1,600 crew members. It has a guest capacity of nearly 5,900 people, according to company records. MSC Cruises stated it was cooperating with investigators and supporting those affected by the incident.

The vessel resumed its scheduled voyage and left Galveston on Monday afternoon. The ship currently operates five and seven night trips from the Texas port to the Caribbean. MSC Cruises moved the vessel from Miami to Galveston in November of last year.

Homicide investigations on cruise ships are rare. In a previous case earlier this year, a teenager faced murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges in the death of his 18 year old stepsister. That incident occurred on a Carnival Cruise ship departing from Florida.

The MSC Seascape remains in operation following the Monday afternoon departure. The ship continues its Caribbean route from Galveston.