Two men arrested after cruise ship death of James Messham

On May 3, 2025, in the United Kingdom, a tragic incident occurred on the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship, leading to the death of a 60-year-old man named James Messham. The ship had departed from Southampton, embarking on a two-night voyage to Bruges, Belgium, and was only about two-and-a-half hours into its journey when the altercation took place around 8:30 PM BST. Following the incident, authorities were notified, and an investigation was promptly initiated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In the wake of the incident, the police arrested two men in connection with James Messham's death. A 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, was taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter, while a 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Both suspects were later released on bail as investigations continued. Authorities expressed their desire to hear from additional passengers who were present on the ship during the altercation. MSC Cruises, the operator of the MSC Virtuosa, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and affirmed their commitment to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. They also extended their support to those affected, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on family and friends. The ship is capable of accommodating 6,334 guests, and this incident, occurring in a typically joyful environment, raises concerns about safety and security on cruise vacations. The tragic death of James Messham has drawn attention not only to the specific events surrounding the cruise but also to the broader implications for cruising safety and passenger conduct on such vessels. It has sparked discussions among passengers and authorities alike about the measures needed to ensure that incidents like this do not recur in the future.