Tyler man arrested in connection with cruise ship homicide

GALVESTON, Texas (KLTV) - A Tyler man has been arrested in connection with a suspected homicide aboard a cruise ship that departed from Galveston.

Jason Leon Watford, 48, is on a federal hold in the Galveston County Jail. Fox 26 in Houston confirmed Watford’s arrest.

The FBI did not provide further details, saying the investigation was ongoing. The company that operates the MSC Seascape said the vessel has since resumed its voyage and left Galveston as of Monday afternoon.

“On reporting a guest incident aboard our ship, we were instructed by the authorities to return to the Port of Galveston,” Natasha Fernandez, a spokesperson for MSC Cruises, said in a statement.

The company is cooperating with authorities and providing support to those impacted, she said.

MSC Seascape currently runs from Galveston to the Caribbean for five- and seven-night stays, according to the company’s website. The towering white vessel has 2,270 cabins, more than 1,600 crew and can host nearly 5,900 guests. The ship switched from Miami to Galveston last November, according to a news release.