What began as a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard MSC Seascape took a tragic turn when the ship was ordered back to Galveston, Texas, following the death of a female passenger.
The vessel had been at sea for less than a day when it suddenly changed course on Monday, November 9, 2026, leaving passengers wondering what had happened.
Federal authorities have since charged the woman’s husband with murder, and newly released court documents reveal troubling details about what allegedly happened inside the couple’s cabin.
Husband Charged With Murder Following Cruise Ship Death
A Texas man has been charged with murder following the death of his wife aboard MSC Seascape, which made an unexpected return to Galveston just hours after beginning a seven-night Caribbean cruise.
Jason Leon Watford, 48, from Tyler, Texas, was taken into custody after the ship returned to port on Monday, November 9, 2026. Federal prosecutors filed a murder charge against him in connection with the death of Susan Watford, who was found unresponsive in their cabin on the evening of November 8.
The FBI confirmed the victim’s identity on Tuesday, November 10, after initially withholding her name while relatives were notified. Authorities also confirmed that a child was found unharmed when law enforcement responded to the incident.
Watford appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Galveston on November 10. He was assigned a public defender, and a probable-cause hearing was scheduled for Monday, November 16.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Watford faces a possible life sentence and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
The federal charge follows allegations that Watford repeatedly struck and strangled his wife during an argument inside their cabin. Investigators have since released further details about what allegedly happened that evening.
Watford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Court Documents Reveal What Allegedly Happened Onboard
Federal court documents have revealed new details about the events leading up to Susan Watford’s death aboard MSC Seascape on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
According to an FBI affidavit, Jason Watford told investigators that he and his wife began arguing while eating dinner at one of the ship’s restaurants. He returned to their cabin at approximately 7:46 p.m., with Susan following about 25 minutes later.
The argument allegedly continued inside the cabin, where Watford told FBI agents that the situation caused him to “snap.” He reportedly admitted to striking his wife several times before choking her with both hands.
Court documents further allege that Watford wrapped his right arm around Susan’s neck from behind while she was lying down. He told investigators he maintained pressure on her neck for approximately four to five minutes, releasing his hold only when he became “exhausted.”
According to the complaint, Susan remained motionless on the cabin floor for around 10 minutes. During that time, Watford allegedly made no attempt to contact the ship’s medical team or security personnel.
At approximately 9 p.m., a housekeeper arrived at the cabin to deliver towels. When Watford opened the door, she reportedly noticed what appeared to be blood on his hands and clothing, along with a woman lying face down on the floor.
The housekeeper immediately alerted other crew members, who found Susan unresponsive with multiple facial injuries. She was subsequently confirmed dead.
Investigators also reviewed the ship’s surveillance footage, which reportedly showed that nobody else had entered or left the cabin between the couple’s arrival and the discovery.
At approximately 9:15 p.m., Watford was seen leaving the cabin wearing different clothes. He then reportedly sat on the hallway floor, looking at his phone.
The precise medical cause of Susan’s death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Cruise Ship Makes Unexpected Return to Galveston
MSC Seascape departed Galveston, Texas, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. However, the ship’s journey was interrupted less than a day later when authorities ordered it to return to port following the death of a passenger.
According to ship-tracking reports, the vessel changed course at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Monday, November 9, and headed back toward Galveston. It returned that morning and remained in port for several hours while law enforcement officers boarded to investigate.
Jason Watford was taken into custody and escorted off the ship before it departed again later that day. MSC Cruises confirmed that the decision to turn around came directly from authorities rather than the cruise line itself.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and providing support to those impacted.”
Passengers were initially told that the ship was dealing with a medical emergency, with no public announcement that a suspected homicide was being investigated.
De’Andre Anderson, a travel agent traveling aboard the ship, told Houston broadcaster KTRK that he noticed medical personnel wearing protective gloves near his cabin.
“I kind of look out of my room, and I seen there were medical staff on board, you know, with gloves on and everything,” Anderson told the station.
Despite the unexpected return, MSC Seascape was cleared to continue its voyage that afternoon.
Court Records Reveal Previous Assault Conviction
The allegations against Jason Watford have also brought attention to an earlier domestic assault case involving his wife, Susan, less than two years before her death aboard MSC Seascape.
According to court records reviewed by the Associated Press, Watford was arrested in September 2024 following an argument over money at the couple’s home in Smith County, Texas.
Susan reportedly told police that her husband had grabbed her wrist during the dispute. She had recorded audio of the incident, which investigators said captured Watford becoming increasingly agitated as she repeatedly told him to stay away from her.
Court records indicate that Susan attempted to flee and used a stun gun during the confrontation.
In November 2024, Watford pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He received 15 months of community supervision, commonly known as probation, along with 30 hours of community service.
FBI Investigation Continues as Cruise Resumes
The FBI is continuing its investigation into Susan Watford’s death, working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Galveston Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and MSC Cruises.
An FBI maritime liaison agent based at the agency’s Texas City Resident Agency is coordinating the investigation. Authorities have not yet publicly released the final autopsy findings.
MSC Cruises also issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation and expressing sympathy for the victim’s family:
“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.”
Meanwhile, MSC Seascape has continued its Western Caribbean voyage, with scheduled stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatán, Honduras. The ship is due to return to Galveston on Sunday, November 15.
Passengers have reportedly been told that the ship will make up the lost time and that no scheduled port visits are expected to be missed.
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