Cruise Turns Deadly After Onboard Brawl
A second man has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 60-year-old James Messham, a beloved grandfather and showman, who died following an alleged “stag do fight” aboard the luxury MSC Virtuosa cruise ship. The fatal incident unfolded on May 3, 2025, just hours after the ship departed from Southampton on a short weekend voyage to Bruges, Belgium.
Messham, from Shoreham-by-Sea, was reportedly part of a stag party group when a violent altercation broke out while the ship was still in British waters. He was pronounced dead shortly after the brawl, which witnesses described as chaotic and fueled by heavy alcohol consumption.
A 21-year-old passenger told reporters the cruise felt “like the Wild West,” adding, “As soon as we got on board, the atmosphere was rowdy… it was full of stag and hen dos.”
The shocking death aboard what was meant to be a festive weekend getaway has sparked nationwide concern over cruise ship safety and the management of large, alcohol-fueled gatherings in confined spaces.
The Arrests: Who Has Been Taken into Custody?
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, a 57-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on police bail pending further inquiries. Just days later, Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the arrest of a second man, aged 56 and from Richmond, London, on suspicion of manslaughter.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police continue to appeal for witnesses among the thousands of passengers on board the MSC Virtuosa during the ill-fated voyage.
We believe this incident was an isolated altercation between individuals known to each other,” police said in a statement. “However, we are treating this investigation with the utmost seriousness.”
The ship docked in Southampton on Sunday, May 5, where authorities boarded to begin interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. Forensic teams also conducted a detailed sweep of the onboard bar area, where the incident is believed to have occurred.
Passengers who may have video footage or photos from the night in question are urged to contact police as investigators piece together the timeline leading to Messham’s death.
Remembering James Messham: A Beloved Showman and Family Man
James Messham was more than just a name in the headlines—he was a cherished father, grandfather, and seasoned travelling showman. Widely recognized in the UK’s fairground community, he was known for running the iconic “Wall of Death” motorcycle stunt attraction.
Tributes have poured in from friends, family, and industry peers who described him as “a true gent,” “a showbiz legend,” and someone with “a heart of gold.”
Joby Carter, owner of Carters Steam Fair, wrote on Facebook:
“James was a gentleman and a brilliant showman. He made us laugh, worked hard, and was a joy to be around.”
Messham’s family has asked for privacy but expressed gratitude for the support received from across the UK. They described him as “a larger-than-life personality” whose tragic death has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him.
The travelling fairground community is planning a memorial event in his honour, with many expected to attend from across the country to celebrate the legacy of a man who made his living thrilling crowds.
The Cruise from Hell: Witnesses Describe Chaos on Board
Passengers aboard the MSC Virtuosa described the fateful two-night voyage as a “stag and hen party free-for-all”, claiming the atmosphere became volatile almost as soon as people stepped on board. What was marketed as a relaxing weekend mini-cruise to Belgium turned into what some are calling a “booze-fueled nightmare.”
One 21-year-old passenger shared,
“We were in the Champagne Bar when it started to kick off. People were shouting, throwing drinks. It was rowdy—like a nightclub full of people who’d already had too much to drink.”
Social media posts and testimonies from passengers have painted a picture of a vessel overwhelmed by unsupervised celebrations, with cruise security struggling to contain multiple scuffles and loud arguments across several decks.
“There were zero checks on behavior. Some people were clearly too drunk to stand. Staff were doing their best but it was obvious they were outnumbered,” another witness told The Sun.
Concerns are now growing about how cruise lines vet passengers and manage alcohol consumption onboard. While the MSC Virtuosa offers security staff, critics argue that with a capacity of over 6,300 passengers, the cruise line failed to maintain order.
MSC Cruises has since confirmed that a “serious incident” occurred onboard and said it is cooperating fully with police investigations. They also stated that “guest safety remains the top priority,” but many are now asking whether cruise companies are doing enough to prevent such tragedies.
Cruise Line Statement and Corporate Response
MSC Cruises released a formal statement shortly after news of Messham’s death became public. The company expressed “deep sadness” and extended its condolences to the victim’s family, adding that they are cooperating with authorities in full.
“We are devastated by the tragic events that unfolded aboard the MSC Virtuosa. We are providing all necessary support to investigators and doing everything possible to assist those impacted.”
Despite this, public confidence has been shaken. Critics argue that allowing large stag and hen parties on board without tighter regulation—especially on short voyages where drinking starts early and often continues unchecked—invites disaster.
The cruise industry is now facing renewed calls for:
- Stricter alcohol policies
- Enhanced onboard security
- Bans or restrictions on party groups
- Real-time passenger behavior monitoring
Several passengers have come forward alleging lack of visible security on the night of the incident, saying that fights had already occurred earlier that day.
“You can’t run a cruise ship like a floating nightclub,” one hospitality analyst wrote on LinkedIn. “There must be accountability and policy reform after a loss of life.”
For now, MSC Cruises has not announced any changes to its alcohol policy or party group bookings, but industry experts believe this tragic event could mark a turning point for safety standards on short-party cruises across Europe.
Legal Outlook: What Charges Could Follow?
With two arrests already made, the focus now turns to the legal fallout from the incident. Both suspects—aged 56 and 57—have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and murder, respectively, though neither has been formally charged yet.
Legal experts say the manslaughter charge may indicate prosecutors believe the death was not premeditated but resulted from reckless or violent behavior.
Depending on the post-mortem findings and witness testimonies, possible outcomes could include:
- Voluntary manslaughter charges
- Involuntary manslaughter (death by unlawful act)
- Or, if evidence supports it, murder charges under UK criminal law
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will assess the evidence compiled by Hampshire Police, including CCTV footage, passenger videos, and witness accounts, before deciding on the appropriate charges.
This case is expected to garner national attention as it progresses through the courts, not only due to the tragic nature of the death but also because of its broader implications for passenger safety and cruise regulation.
If convicted, the accused could face lengthy prison terms, with manslaughter alone carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment depending on the circumstances and aggravating factors.
National Conversation: Should Stag & Hen Parties Be Banned at Sea?
In the wake of this high-profile tragedy, calls are growing across social media and political platforms to ban or restrict large party groups on cruise ships, especially short-haul routes notorious for binge drinking and disorderly behavior.
Hashtags like #BanStagCruises and #SafeSailing have been trending, with many Britons questioning whether alcohol-soaked group trips belong on cruise liners designed for families, retirees, and international tourism.
“This wasn’t a booze cruise. It was supposed to be a luxury holiday—and someone died,” one tweet read.
The cruise industry, like airlines and festivals, faces the challenge of balancing revenue with responsibility. Stag and hen groups are profitable customers—but they can also increase the risk of disruptive incidents.
Policy proposals being floated include:
- Banning groups over a certain size
- Requiring group leaders to sign conduct agreements
- Enforcing earlier alcohol cut-off times
- Employing dedicated group security officers
While cruise lines insist they already have rules in place to handle unruly passengers, this case could prompt government inquiry or industry-wide review, especially if more victims or lawsuits emerge.
As the investigation into James Messham’s death continues, one thing is clear: this tragedy has sparked a national conversation about alcohol, accountability, and how we ensure safety at sea.
