The FBI is investigating two separate incidents aboard Carnival cruise ships that departed from Galveston: the death of a Texas man on the Carnival Dream and a sexual assault allegation aboard the Carnival Breeze.
The FBI's Houston field office is looking into two distinct occurrences on Carnival Cruise Line vessels that set sail from Galveston this month: a fatality on the Carnival Dream and a reported sexual assault on the Carnival Breeze.
A death took place on July 23, 2025, during the Carnival Dream's voyage at sea. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as Euvelester Villarreal Jr., 48, from Rio Grande City, Texas.
An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent from the Texas City Resident Agency is working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Carnival Cruise Line as part of the routine investigative procedure.
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement explaining that the involvement of the FBI is a normal procedure in these situations: "It is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths that occur on cruise ships." This established procedure guarantees clarity. There is no sign of any suspicious activity, and the details do not suggest any. We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our guest during this challenging period.
An autopsy conducted by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed no indications of trauma. Carnival Cruise Line has reported that while final toxicology results are still awaited, their internal review suggests that the guest passed away due to natural causes.
The FBI has confirmed that it is also investigating an alleged sexual assault that took place aboard the Carnival Breeze, another ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. The exact timing of the incident is still uncertain.
The Carnival Breeze set sail from Galveston on Monday afternoon, embarking on a five-day journey to Cozumel and Progreso. The vessel had made its way back to port earlier that morning before embarking on its current voyage.
There have been no announcements regarding arrests or charges in either case, and both investigations continue to progress.
