The FBI has opened an investigation into a suspected homicide aboard a cruise ship that was directed to return to Texas just one day into a seven-night trip to Mexico and Honduras.
FBI Houston said agents went aboard the MSC Seascape on Monday after the vessel arrived at the Port of Galveston.
Authorities have released few details, including the identity of the person who died and what led to the suspected killing.
“FBI Texas City is responding to a suspected homicide onboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship that docked in Galveston on November 9, 2026,” FBI Houston said in a statement.
The MSC Seascape is pictured at the Port of Galveston in Texas. The vessel later departed and resumed its scheduled route while the FBI investigated a suspected homicide on board. (2025 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle)
The bureau said a Maritime Liaison Agent with its Texas City Resident Agency is working with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and MSC Cruises.
The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating suspected crimes on the high seas and routinely coordinates with local and federal authorities when incidents are reported on cruise ships.
MSC Cruises told News Media that the Seascape was ordered back to Galveston after the company reported an incident involving a passenger.
“We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson said.
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The MSC Seascape is shown docked in Galveston, Texas. The FBI began investigating a suspected homicide after the cruise ship was directed to return to port on Nov. 9, 2026. (2025 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle)
“As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details,” the spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the guest’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
According to CruiseMapper, the Seascape left Galveston at 4 p.m. Sunday and was originally scheduled to return on Nov. 15.
The planned seven-night itinerary included visits to Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras. Costa Maya was scheduled to be the ship’s first port of call on Wednesday.
An aerial image shows the Port of Galveston in Texas, where the MSC Seascape returned after the cruise line reported an incident involving a guest. (Getty Images)
MSC Cruises promotes the Seascape as a modern ship offering seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston to destinations in Mexico and Honduras.
The vessel accommodates more than 5,800 passengers and approximately 1,600 crew members. It has 2,270 cabins spread across 19 decks, entered service in 2022 and sails under the Maltese flag.
Investigators have not disclosed where or when the suspected homicide took place, how the person died or whether a suspect has been identified or taken into custody.
The FBI has also withheld the victim’s name, age and nationality.