2 months ago
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Passengers have spoken out about the ‘busy and chaotic’ scenes moments before 60-year-old grandfather was killed aboard the MSC Virtuosa.
James Messham, from Exeter, died following an ‘altercation’ just two hours after the ship set sail from Southampton docks on Saturday evening.
It is understood the ship was packed with stag and hen dos on all inclusive drinks packages at the time of James’ death.
A man, 57, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday after the boat returned to Southampton, but has since been bailed.
Tributes have poured in for James, who used to work in haulage and on the fairground circuit.
He was described as ‘salt of the earth’ and a ‘legend’.
In one tribute posted online, it said: ‘My deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a proper old school showman, condolences to the rest of the family. Rip.’
And another said: ‘He will be missed by everyone. When he travelled with us with the wall some years ago in Ireland, your dad and all your family were very helpful and great people to be around.
‘He was a great showman and friend to all.’
In an interview with thewidowstanton website, James’ son Jake Messham, who is a fourth-generation rider for the wall of death, says that the family’s show is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 1930s.
While the majority of the 1,700 passengers were unaware of James’ death, some witnessed the ‘carnage’ that had broken out and attempts by an army medic to save him.
Passengers told Metro the victim had been on the dance floor moments before the incident.
Lynda Hardiman-Pearce, who was a passenger on the cruise, told Metro: ‘The ship was packed. There were hen and stag dos everywhere. I thought I was a party animal but this was off the scale – it was carnage.
‘I was queuing for a drink when a guy pushed in. He said he was an army medic who was trying to save the life of a man who hadn’t made it. That was the first I knew of the death.
‘I just assumed it was natural causes as everyone continued the trip as if nothing had happened.’
Another passenger, a dad of three, told Metro: ‘There was a kerfuffle where we were near and some worried looking people. We had no idea someone had died though.
‘It was only later that another passenger mentioned it. It was an utter shock. We were all eating and drinking and being merry while there was a dead body aboard. It wasn’t your average cruise for sure, more like something out of a crime drama.’
Harry Clark, the winner of the BBC show Traitors in 2024, was on board with family and friends at the time.
He has posted on his social media pictures on board while passengers also took selfies with the show winner. There is no suggestion Harry was involved in the violence.
Other passengers have since posted pictures from the cruise on social media, donning nautical-themed outfits and walking around Bruges.
By many accounts, the two-day cruise ending was a booze-fuelled experience, with big groups letting their hair down and dancing the night away.
Some told Metro they were unaware that any incident had taken place, and the only announcement they received was a wind warning from the captain on Sunday evening, meaning they could be delayed on their return to Southampton.
When the ship pulled into the dock on Monday morning, police were seen waiting for its arrival.
Giving an inside glimpse into the ship, Lynda added: ‘It was all inclusive and supposed to be a luxury cruise. I wouldn’t describe it like that, it was very busy and quite chaotic.
‘I had a picture taken with Harry Clark for Traitors. He was lovely and so were the people he was with they were chilled out just enjoying themselves.’
The liner first went into service in 2021, and cost around €800 million to build in 2016, worth around £880 million in today’s money.
Prices for the all inclusive deals are typically around £600 per person and the ship boasts an array of entertainment on board, from cabaret to a spa and even a bar managed by a robot.
It has a capacity of more than 6,000 passengers, and there are four swimming pools, children’s activities and food and drink on tap.
The Virtuosa was previously used as a set for a Channel 5 crime show The Good Ship Murder.
Many people on the cruise have posted good reviews of the ship and staff despite the controversy of the death on board. Some were not even aware of the murder investigation until they arrived back on dry land.
Michelle Fellows wrote: ‘Just got off the MSC Virtuosa. Loved every minute drinks were spot on. Definitely booking another one.’
Rod and Dean described the cruise as ‘eventful’.
They said that they witnessed some excessive boozing and fights.
‘The drinking was excessive to the point where we witnessed fights, people being sick and some raucous behaviour’ the passengers said.
However they praised the facilities and food aboard.
Mrs Hardiman-Pearce added: ‘It was a surreal cruise in that everything went on as normal despite the death. Now it’s a mystery I just hope they get to the bottom of it.’
A statement from cruise company MSC said: ‘Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are cooperating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted and thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.’
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