GALVESTON, TEXAS — The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship after the vessel returned to the Port of Galveston following its departure from Texas. Federal authorities confirmed Monday, November 9, 2026, that a suspect is in custody in connection with the incident. According to the Associated Press, the FBI announced the investigation Monday but released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the suspected homicide. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim or suspect, disclosed how the victim died, or confirmed whether criminal charges have been filed. The FBI said the suspect’s identity was being withheld pending notification of the victim’s family. MSC Cruises confirmed that the ship was directed to return to Galveston after an incident involving a guest was reported aboard the vessel. In a statement, the cruise line said it was cooperating with law enforcement and providing assistance to those affected by the incident. The MSC Seascape is one of the larger vessels in the company’s fleet, featuring approximately 2,270 passenger cabins and accommodations for nearly 5,900 guests. The ship also carries more than 1,600 crew members. The vessel operates Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston, offering five-night and seven-night itineraries. MSC Cruises relocated the ship’s operations from Miami to Galveston in November 2025. The cruise line confirmed that the MSC Seascape resumed its scheduled voyage and departed Galveston again by Monday afternoon. Officials did not disclose how long the vessel remained in port, whether passengers were questioned by investigators, or whether the investigation affected the ship’s itinerary. The FBI has not released details about where aboard the ship the incident occurred, when the suspected homicide took place, or the relationship, if any, between the victim and the person in custody. Authorities have also not announced whether additional individuals are being investigated. Homicide investigations aboard cruise ships are relatively uncommon, although federal authorities have jurisdiction over certain serious crimes occurring aboard vessels, including incidents involving U.S. ports and passengers. Earlier in 2026, a teenager was charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship that departed from Florida. That investigation was a separate case and has not been linked to the incident aboard the MSC Seascape. The FBI investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced a cause of death, released the victim’s identity, or provided information about potential criminal charges as of Monday’s initial announcement. Source: Associated Press, FBI public statement, and MSC Cruises, November 9, 2026. The incident is being investigated as a suspected homicide. The detention of a suspect does not establish guilt, and no criminal charges had been publicly confirmed in the information released Monday.