The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating an onboard incident that occurred on the Carnival Dream cruise ship last week. While reports suggest a death took place, Carnival denies any investigation into a suspicious death, and details remain scarce.
According to the FBI, an incident aboard the Carnival Dream cruise ship is currently under investigation by the FBI and several federal agencies. This incident occurred during a six-day voyage that departed from Galveston on July 20.
On Sunday, FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan announced that a "maritime liaison agent" stationed in Texas City is collaborating closely with Carnival Cruise Line, the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the incident. Nonetheless, the agency has refrained from providing additional information regarding the specifics of the investigation, referencing its current status.
A report by KHOU has emerged, citing unnamed law enforcement sources who allege that a death took place on board. Carnival has categorically rejected those claims, asserting that there is no inquiry into any “suspicious death.”
“It’s disheartening to discover that some guests may be circulating unfounded claims regarding matters they are uninformed about,” Carnival stated in a comment reported by KHOU. The cruise line has yet to provide further comments in response to inquiries from the Houston Chronicle.
CruiseMapper.com has announced that the Carnival Dream arrived in Belize City on Wednesday, highlighting one of the cruise's three planned stops. Travelers reported to KHOU that they were stirred from their sleep in the early hours—approximately 3 or 4 a.m.—by the sound of sirens and an announcement for medical help over the ship’s intercom.
Reports surfaced about the postponement of the ship's departure on Sunday, with some individuals claiming to have witnessed law enforcement personnel boarding the vessel.
Amid ongoing rumors, there has been no official confirmation of any death.
On Sunday, CruiseMapper monitored the vessel as it navigated the Gulf of Mexico en route to Key West, Florida, where it is expected to arrive on Monday.
The FBI serves as the primary federal agency responsible for investigating offenses that occur on the high seas, including those that take place on cruise ships departing from or arriving at U.S. ports.
Additional updates are anticipated as federal officials persist in their inquiry.
