Man Charged After Woman Found Dead on Cruise Ship

Watford, 48, was escorted from the MSC Seascape in restraints when the vessel reached Galveston early on November 9. He was charged in federal court with murder. The woman, whom authorities have not identified, was his partner, according to an affidavit describing the allegations. The charge has not been proven in court; if convicted, he could face life in prison.

The affidavit says the couple argued during dinner on the first evening of the voyage, November 8. Watford allegedly returned to their cabin alone, and the woman arrived shortly afterward. He told investigators the dispute escalated, and he punched and choked her, the filing alleges.

A housekeeper who came to the cabin later that evening saw blood on Watford and a woman on the floor, then alerted ship security, according to the affidavit. Security personnel found the woman motionless with serious facial injuries. The FBI was notified, and the vessel turned back to port. Watford was arrested and held at the Galveston County Jail.

The ship had departed Galveston for a weeklong trip to Mexico and Honduras. MSC Cruises said it returned at the direction of authorities and was cooperating with the investigation. After investigators collected evidence and removed the woman’s body, the Seascape left port again on November 9 to continue its itinerary.

The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office said an autopsy was scheduled for November 10. The ship is due back in Galveston on November 15.