A suspected homicide occurred aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship near the Texas coastline late Sunday, November 8, 2026, involving 48-year-old Jason Watford of Tyler, Texas. The ship, which had departed Galveston earlier that day for a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, returned to the Port of Galveston on Monday morning following the incident.
Suspect’s Admission and Timeline of the Incident
According to a criminal complaint, Watford admitted to losing control during an argument with his wife, Susan Watford, at dinner on board. He stated he repeatedly struck and strangled her in their cabin. Watford said he applied pressure to her neck for approximately four to five minutes,
releasing only after exhaustion. Susan Watford remained motionless face down on the cabin floor for about 10 minutes before an MSC housekeeper observed what she described as “what she believed to be blood on Subject’s hands and pants as well as a motionless female lying face down on the floor.” The housekeeper alerted other ship employees.
Federal and Local Agency Involvement
The FBI’s Houston field office is leading the investigation, coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Port of Galveston Police Department, and MSC Cruises. Jason Watford was taken into federal custody and booked into Galveston County Jail with a federal hold
placed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has confirmed filing federal charges related to the homicide.
MSC Cruises stated it is cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to those affected. The company said it returned the MSC Seascape to Galveston after authorities instructed them to do so following the guest incident. The cruise line resumed its planned itinerary after departing Galveston on Monday.
Victim Status and Child Safety
The victim, Susan Watford, died from blunt force trauma according to the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office. The couple shares a child who is currently in foster care and confirmed safe by the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services. It remains unconfirmed if the child was present in the cabin at the time of the incident.
Suspect’s Prior Legal History
Records show Jason Watford was previously convicted in 2024 for assault causing bodily injury to his wife. He was sentenced in November that year to 15 months probation and 30 hours of community service. In May 2025, he was fined $4,600 for a commercial vehicle offense, unrelated to the current incident.
Impact on Cruise Operations and Passenger Experience
The MSC Seascape carries over 5,800 passengers and approximately 1,600 crew members. Following the incident, the ship returned to its home port in Galveston for investigation. The vessel resumed its
Western Caribbean itinerary after leaving port on Monday. Passenger De’Andre Anderson, a travel agent on board, reported hearing announcements of a medical emergency while observing medical staff on the ship, though he stated he was not personally affected.
