Man in custody in connection with woman's death on MSC Seascape ship, officials confirm

Death Investigation Man in custody in connection with woman's death on MSC Seascape ship, officials confirm The medical examiner said that the victim is a woman. Watch ABC News live news stream and get 24/7 latest, breaking news coverage, and live video. Monday, November 9, 2026 11:33PM Share GALVESTON, Texas -- Federal authorities have a person in custody in connection with the alleged murder of a woman aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship on Monday. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office confirmed to ABC News that Jason Watford was booked into the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold. At this time, federal investigators have not said what Watford is charged with. ABC News reached out to the medical examiner in Galveston County, Texas, who shared that the victim is a woman. The medical examiner said they are not releasing any identifiable information, adding that the autopsy will be performed on Tuesday. Monday morning, FBI Houston responded to a suspected homicide that occurred on the MSC Seascape cruise ship, which docked in Galveston. An FBI maritime liaison agent from the Texas City Resident Agency confirmed they are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise line on the incident. In a statement, an MSC Cruises spokesperson said the following: "On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston. 18-year-old suspect will not be charged in deadly Moss Landing shooting, barring new evidence: DA 2 burned after boiler explosion forces evacuations at Walnut Creek senior living facility San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk reinstated by NFL We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary. As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide more details. Our thoughts are with the guest's family and friends at this difficult time." An investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics GALVESTON HOUSTON DEATH INVESTIGATION CRUISE SHIP FBI PERSON KILLED US Marine dies after training incident in Japan, officials say What to know about rhabdomyolysis after death of 24-year-old NYC Marathon runner Hayden Panettiere's death ruled accidental, South Carolina police closing investigation US Marine in Japan indicted in death of woman found strangled in hotel Live Streams ON NOW Suspect will not be charged in deadly Moss Landing shooting: DA 2 burned after boiler explosion at East Bay senior living facility 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk reinstated by NFL How El Niño is impacting the dense fog blanketing the Bay Area California voters reject measure to tax the wealth of billionaires 41 minutes ago SF gives final approval to Marina Safeway redevelopment project 2 hours ago CA governor-elect Becerra's 'Power Hour' proposal faces questions Airbnb CEO donates $100M to SF parks