FBI investigates suspected homicide aboard cruise ship out of Texas

The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide that occurred aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship, which departed from Galveston, Texas, and returned to port after the incident, according to reports from keyt.com and other outlets.

A suspect is currently in custody, but the FBI has not disclosed whether any charges have been filed. The agency withheld the suspect's name pending notification of the victim's family, as stated on the FBI's social media platform X.

MSC Cruises confirmed the incident and said they were instructed by authorities to return to the Port of Galveston. The company is cooperating with the FBI and providing support to those affected, as reported by keyt.com.

The MSC Seascape is a large vessel with 2,270 cabins, over 1,600 crew members, and the capacity to host nearly 5,900 guests. It operates Caribbean cruises lasting five to seven nights and switched its home port from Miami to Galveston last November.

After returning to Galveston, the ship resumed its voyage and departed again on Monday afternoon, according to the cruise line's statement. Homicide investigations on cruise ships are rare but not unprecedented; earlier this year, a similar case occurred on a Carnival Cruise ship out of Florida.

The FBI is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate crimes on the high seas, as noted by the bureau on social media.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the cruise ship continues its scheduled itinerary.