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 Follow ABC7 on Google 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. Evanston Township HS student killed in Deerfield crash involving Chicago Tribune box truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over 2023 Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE while boarding domestic flight to be released 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 2 die from carbon monoxide toxicity inside running vehicle on SW Side Human remains found in garbage can in south suburbs: police Man, woman found dead inside running vehicle in SW Side garage: CPD Woman dies after being found at lake in Busse Woods: officials Watch Live ON NOW ETHS student killed in suburban crash involving Chicago Tribune truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE to be released Man convicted of fatally stabbing young suburban mom 120 times in 1966 12 minutes ago Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane after taking off from LAX 3 hours ago Voice recorder from Florida jet crash recovered by investigators 1 hour ago Mother charged in OD death of 12-year-old daughter: Joliet police Suburban hospital placed on EMS bypass as owner fails to make payroll