FBI reviewing death of guest aboard Carnival Dream cruise ship
The bureau's Houston field office is 'aware of an incident' that took place around July 23 aboard the vessel, according to spokesperson Connor Hagan. 'An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise line regarding this incident,' Hagan told USA TODAY in an email.
Hagan could not share additional details, citing the ongoing investigation. Carnival Dream is currently sailing Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises round-trip from Galveston, Texas, according to CruiseMapper.
Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Matt Lupoli said FBI reviews of deaths onboard cruise ships are 'standard practice.'
'This routine protocol ensures transparency,' he said in an emailed statement. '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.'
CBP did not have any information to share, and the Port of Galveston referred USA TODAY's request for comment to the FBI and Carnival. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a separate request for comment.
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