Tragedy strikes just hours into voyage
A British grandad celebrating on a stag do died just hours after setting sail on a luxury cruise — and a man arrested on suspicion of his murder has now been released on bail.
James Messham, 60, from Shoreham-by-Sea, was on board the MSC Virtuosa when violence erupted on Saturday night. The vessel had departed Southampton around 6pm and was still in British waters when emergency services were contacted at 8.30pm reporting a serious incident.
The ship turned back and returned to port, where Hampshire Police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter. He was held on suspicion of murder and taken in for questioning. The man has now been bailed while investigations continue.
Stunt performer remembered as ‘proper gent’
James had travelled with relatives and friends who were part of the Wall of Death stunt motorbike act. Known for his involvement in travelling fairs, he was described by showman Joby Carter as a kind and dedicated man who lived a unique and adventurous life.
Carter said, “We always got along with him. He was a proper gent, salt of the Earth. Travelling the Wall of Death is a labour of love — you’ve got to love it.”
Witnesses describe chaos onboard
Other passengers on the ship have described the atmosphere as chaotic. One woman said the cruise was packed with large stag and hen parties, with rowdy behaviour reported even before the fight broke out. She claimed an army medic onboard had tried to help James by performing CPR, but he could not be saved.
Passengers were said to be shocked and unsettled, with many unaware of what had happened until police came aboard the ship.
Second death on ship in recent months
James’s death is not the first tragedy linked to the MSC Virtuosa. In October last year, 28-year-old Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda fell overboard near the Channel Islands and died. Her death prompted an investigation into cruise ship safety, which remains ongoing.
Police investigation continues
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police confirmed that their investigation into James’s death is still active. They are urging anyone who was on board the cruise on Saturday night and witnessed the incident to come forward.
The MSC Virtuosa, operated by MSC Cruises, can carry more than 6,300 passengers. It had been scheduled to travel to Zeebrugge, Belgium, but returned to Southampton on Monday following the incident. The coroner’s office has been informed, but proceedings into James’s death have not yet formally opened.
