The MSC Seascape cruise ship was ordered to return to the Port of Galveston, Texas, late Sunday, November 8, 2026, following a suspected homicide onboard. The crime involved 48-year-old Jason Watford of Tyler, Texas, who allegedly struck and strangled his wife, Susan Watford, during a dispute the same day the couple boarded the ship.
Details of the Alleged Attack
According to statements and a criminal complaint, the assault occurred after an argument during dinner on the MSC Seascape. Watford said he “snapped” during the dispute, hitting his wife multiple times before choking her with both hands for approximately four to five minutes until he became
exhausted. A housekeeper discovered the victim lying face down and motionless on the cabin floor after noticing what she believed to be blood on Watford’s hands and pants.
Suspect’s Admission and Legal History
Jason Watford admitted to FBI agents that he applied pressure to Susan Watford’s neck for four to five minutes and only released his hold after becoming exhausted. The victim remained motionless for about 10 minutes before the housekeeper knocked on the cabin door. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma. Records indicate Watford was previously arrested in September 2024 for assault causing bodily
injury to his wife and sentenced to 15 months probation and 30 hours of community service in November 2024.
Official Investigations and Charges
Watford was taken into custody on a murder charge and booked into the Galveston County Jail on a federal hold. The FBI’s Houston field office is leading the investigation, coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case. MSC Cruises confirmed full cooperation with authorities, stating they were “instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of
Galveston” following the incident.
Impact on the MSC Seascape Itinerary and Passengers
The MSC Seascape returned and docked in Galveston on Monday, November 9, 2026, interrupting the western Caribbean cruise itinerary. After officials completed initial investigations, the ship resumed its scheduled journey departing Galveston that same day. Passengers onboard were notified of a “medical emergency” by announcements. Passenger De’Andre Anderson reported seeing medical staff on board following emergency responses but noted he was not personally concerned beyond the incident’s direct parties.
Child Involvement and Safeguarding
The incident involved a child related to the suspect and victim, though authorities have not clarified if the child was present during the assault. The Texas Department
of Family and Protective Services confirmed the child is safe and currently placed in foster care pending further proceedings.
MSC Cruises and Ship Information
MSC Cruises operates the MSC Seascape, a 5,800-passenger cruise ship flagged in Malta that services Caribbean itineraries. Founded in Naples, Italy, MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 23 ships as of 2026. The company expressed that it is providing support to those affected by the incident while maintaining cooperation with law enforcement agencies during this ongoing investigation.
