Grandad Murdered Hours Into Stag Do Cruise
Tributes have flooded in for a much-loved grandad allegedly murdered just hours after setting sail on a stag do cruise from Southampton to Belgium.
James Messham, 60, died following an altercation on board the luxury liner MSC Virtuosa around 8.30pm on Saturday — a mere two hours after the ship left port.
Tragedy Strikes in UK Waters
The cruise was still sailing British waters when the fatal clash occurred. A 57-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of murder upon the ship’s return to Southampton on Monday. He has since been released on bail.
Messham was travelling with relatives linked to the famous Wall of Death motorbike stunt show and was hailed as a “proper gent” and a “legend” within the travelling fair community.
“He was salt of the earth. If you had a problem, he would come and help you anytime, day or night,” said Joby Carter of Carter’s Steam Fair.
Attempts to Save and Shocked Passengers
An armed forces medic on board reportedly tried to save Mr Messham after the incident. The victim’s family, too upset to speak publicly, have shared heartfelt tributes online.
Passengers, including reality show winner Harry Clark, were reportedly unaware of the tragedy until much later. One guest described it as “a very scary situation.”
Second Serious Incident on MSC Virtuosa in Months
This shocking death marks the second major tragedy aboard the MSC Virtuosa in recent months. Back in October, Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda, 28, died after falling overboard near the Channel Islands.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, reassured the public:
“We want to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident.”
An MSC Virtuosa spokesperson added:
“We are fully cooperating with the authorities and providing full support to those impacted.”
The investigation is ongoing.
