The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide that occurred on the MSC Seascape cruise ship near the Texas coast on November 8, 2026. Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, was arrested in connection with the death of a woman aboard the vessel. Federal criminal charges have been filed against Watford, who reportedly admitted to “snapping” during an argument with the victim.
Incident Details and Timeline
The MSC Seascape departed Galveston, Texas, at 4 p.m. on November 8, 2026, for a seven-night round trip cruise. Surveillance footage shows Watford entering the victim’s cabin at 7:46 p.m., with the victim arriving about 25 minutes later.
Around 9 p.m., a housekeeper observed blood on Watford’s hands and pants and found the woman lying motionless and face-down on the floor with multiple facial injuries. The victim was later pronounced dead. Watford admitted to hitting the victim multiple times and choking her for up to five minutes during an argument that began at an onboard restaurant and continued in the cabin. He did not report the emergency to ship staff and was detained by ship security before the FBI took custody.
Ship Itinerary and Authority Response
The MSC Seascape’s itinerary included scheduled stops at Costa Maya, Mexico (Nov 11, 8 a.m. to 6
p.m.), Roatán, Honduras (Nov 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Cozumel, Mexico (Nov 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and a return to Galveston on November 15 at 6:30 a.m. After the incident was reported, authorities ordered the ship to return to the Port of Galveston, where it docked earlier on November 9. Following investigation cooperation, MSC Cruises resumed the cruise at approximately 18.3 knots through the Gulf of Mexico.
Suspect’s Background and Legal Proceedings
Watford has a prior legal history in Smith County, Texas, including a 2024 guilty plea to misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family member, resulting in 15 months probation
and 30 hours of community service. He was also cited in May 2025 for a misdemeanor traffic offense related to an overweight commercial vehicle and fined nearly $4,600. Watford’s first federal magistrate court appearance was scheduled for November 10, 2026. If convicted on current charges, he faces life imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.
Jurisdiction and Investigation Coordination
The FBI holds jurisdiction over crimes aboard vessels within U.S. territorial waters, considering factors such as the ship’s location, flag state, and voyage origin. The MSC Seascape is flagged in Malta and was operating near Texas during the incident. The FBI’s Texas City Resident Agency
maritime liaison agent is coordinating the investigation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Patrol, and MSC Cruises. The FBI states it is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate crimes like murder on cruise ships in U.S. waters.
Official Statements and Company Information
MSC Cruises confirmed it was instructed by authorities to return the ship to the Port of Galveston after the guest incident. A company spokesperson stated, “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted. The ship has left the port and resumed its planned itinerary.” The FBI emphasized its federal role
in investigating maritime crimes on cruise vessels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas noted that Watford could face life imprisonment and fines if convicted.
MSC Cruises, founded in 1988, operates 23 ships worldwide, roughly half flagged in Panama and half in Malta. The MSC Seascape, flagged in Malta and entering service in 2022, measures 1,112 feet in length with 20 decks, 2,270 cabins, and can accommodate up to 5,877 passengers and 1,648 crew members. This incident follows similar recent violent cases aboard cruise ships, including a homicide aboard the Carnival Horizon in 2025.
