Photo: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP / Getty Images
The FBI is investigating a death that occurred on the Carnival Dream cruise ship last Wednesday (July 23). The incident took place while the ship was near Belize City during a six-day Western Caribbean voyage. The ship returned to Galveston, Texas, on Saturday (July 26).
Passengers reported being awakened by sirens around 4 a.m., with an announcement requesting medical assistance on the adults-only Serenity Deck. The FBI's Houston office confirmed that an FBI maritime liaison agent is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line in the investigation.
Carnival Cruise Line stated that it is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths on cruise ships to ensure transparency. The company emphasized that the facts do not suggest suspicious circumstances and extended sympathy to the deceased's family and loved ones.
"This routine protocol ensures transparency. It does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances, and the facts of this matter do not suggest any such activity. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to our guest's family and loved ones in this difficult time," the company said in a statement.
The FBI spokesperson noted that the agency is the primary federal authority for investigating potential crimes on the high seas. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been disclosed.