Federal prosecutors announced a murder charge Tuesday in the death of a passenger aboard the MSC Seascape. The cruise ship had left Galveston, Texas, on Sunday, Nov. 8, and returned to port the following morning at the direction of authorities. MSC Cruises said the ship resumed its voyage Monday afternoon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas said Jason Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston at 1 p.m. Central time on Tuesday. The charge is an allegation, and Watford is presumed innocent. Prosecutors said he could face up to life in prison if convicted.
What prosecutors allege
The criminal complaint alleges that Watford and the woman argued while dining aboard the ship on Sunday evening. Prosecutors said the dispute continued in their room while the ship was in international waters. A member of the housekeeping crew alerted ship personnel, who found the woman dead, according to the complaint. The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not name her in its announcement.
The FBI’s Texas City office is leading the investigation. Prosecutors said the Coast Guard, the Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise company are assisting.
What happened to the voyage
MSC said authorities directed the ship to return to Galveston after the onboard incident was reported. The company told CBS Texas it was cooperating with investigators and supporting those affected. The ship departed again Monday afternoon. The cruise line lists Terminal 16 as its Galveston departure point for MSC Seascape’s Western Caribbean voyages.
