Police Arrests Second Suspect After Death of 60-Year-Old Old On Cruise Ship

British police have arrested a second man as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man who died during a cruise aboard the MSC Virtuosa earlier this month.

The victim, James Messham from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, passed away after what police described as an “altercation” on board the ship on the evening of Saturday, May 3.

The incident happened at around 8:30 pm, approximately two and a half hours after the cruise liner departed from Southampton at 6:00 pm for a short two-night trip to Bruges, Belgium. The vessel was still sailing in British waters at the time.

According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, a 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of manslaughter.

He is the second person to be taken into custody in relation to the case. The police later confirmed that the man has been released on bail as inquiries continue.

The first arrest was made soon after the incident when the MSC Virtuosa returned to Southampton. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and was later released on bail after extensive questioning.

Authorities said they have not officially named either of the suspects or the deceased, but British news outlet The Sun identified the man who died as James Messham.

He was known to the public for running the travelling motorcycle stunt show “Messham’s Wall of Death.” Friends have remembered him online as a “great showman.”

Per reports, many passengers onboard were attending bachelor and bachelorette parties, and the environment had become loud and boisterous in the hours after the ship’s departure.

One passenger told the Daily Mail that the atmosphere was rowdy shortly before the altercation occurred.

Emergency services were notified by the ship’s crew after the incident, and police began their investigation once the ship returned to port. The crew is said to have fully cooperated with authorities during the process.

In a statement released earlier, MSC Cruises confirmed that relevant authorities were informed immediately after the onboard incident.

The company said it is working closely with investigators and offering support to those affected. “We are providing full support to those impacted and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time,” the cruise line said.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said in a recent update that the incident appeared to be isolated and reassured the public that the rest of the passengers were not affected. He also thanked the crew for their assistance during the investigation.

Police continue to appeal for information from anyone who was onboard the MSC Virtuosa at the time of the altercation. “We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton and was still in British waters at the time,” said a spokesperson from the constabulary.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 101 and reference case number 44250193676.

The MSC Virtuosa is a luxury cruise vessel with a capacity for over 6,000 guests. It entered service in 2021 and mainly operates from Southampton. Interestingly, the ship has also served as a set for the British television murder mystery show The Good Ship Murder.

References: BBC, USA Today

Source: Maritime Shipping News