FBI investigates death on MSC Seascape after return to Galveston
The vessel resumed its Caribbean itinerary Monday afternoon following a suspected homicide reported by the crew.
By Nia Foster ·
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining a suspected homicide aboard a cruise ship that docked in Galveston, Texas, on Monday. The agency confirmed the probe in a statement but withheld specific details, citing the active nature of the investigation.
MSC Cruises, the operator of the MSC Seascape, said the ship returned to port after authorities instructed the crew to do so following a guest incident. The company stated it is cooperating with federal officials and providing support to those affected by the event.
The vessel left Galveston again on Monday afternoon, resuming its scheduled route. The MSC Seascape typically runs five and seven night trips from Galveston to the Caribbean. The ship changed its home port from Miami to Galveston in November of last year.
The vessel is a large white ship that houses 2,270 cabins and more than 1,600 crew members. It has a maximum capacity for nearly 5,900 guests.
Deaths on cruise ships remain rare. Earlier this year, a teenager faced charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise Line ship departing from Florida.
The FBI noted on the social platform X that it is the primary federal body authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas.
