Federal authorities have opened an investigation into a possible homicide aboard a cruise ship docked in Texas, with local officials confirming an arrest in connection with the death.
Port Police booked Jason Leon Watford into the Galveston County Jail on an FBI hold for an on-view murder investigation, according to records from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent assigned to the Texas City Resident Agency is coordinating the probe in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
The cruise operator is also assisting police with the ongoing inquiry.
The investigation centers on the MSC Seascape vessel, which had been instructed by officials to dock in Galveston following an incident on board.
"On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston," MSC said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has since left the port and resumed its planned itinerary."
Port surveillance footage showed the cruise ship departing Galveston shortly after the initial response to resume its scheduled route. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the victim or the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
