A man who died following an altercation on a cruise ship has been named. The death of James Messham, 60, from West Sussex, was reported about two-and-a-half hours after MSC Virtuosa departed Southampton on Saturday evening, May 3, 2025. Winchester Coroner's Court confirmed it has been informed of the death but said "inquest proceedings have yet to be opened."
A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and he was released on bail on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2025, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Police said investigations are ongoing and have asked to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship to contact them.
The vessel left Southampton at 18:00 BST on Saturday, bound for a two-night voyage to Bruges, Belgium, returning at 06:00 on Monday, May 5, 2025. The MSC Virtuosa is operated by MSC Cruises and has a capacity for 6,334 guests.
Mr. Messham's death occurred just hours after the cruise ship set sail. According to reports, he had been treated by an onboard army medic but unfortunately could not be saved. It is understood that Mr. Messham was part of a stag party on board the two-night cruise.
Tributes have poured in for Mr. Messham, who was known for operating the travelling show Messham’s Wall of Death, a popular motorcycle stunt show that has been a family tradition for generations. Friends described him as a "great showman" and a "proper old school showman." One friend commented on a photo of Mr. Messham posted by his son Jake, stating: "My deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a proper old school showman, condolences to the rest of the family. Rest in peace."
Another friend recalled, "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, Jake Messham, a fourth-generation rider for the Wall of Death, noted that the family’s show is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 1930s.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s senior investigating officer, stated that the case appears to be "an isolated incident". He expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance of the crew during the investigation.
Witnesses aboard the ship described the atmosphere as chaotic, with reports of drunken brawls erupting almost immediately after boarding. A 21-year-old passenger, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her experience: "It was full of stag and hen dos that just made the boat really rowdy. We got on the boat the first day about 2pm and it was all sunny and we went to the pool but you could already see fights breaking out. We were sat quite far back and all of a sudden you would hear cheering and chanting and you would look over and see people fighting. The bar staff were still serving people to the point they were paralytically drunk, it was just carnage."
The alleged murder occurred later that evening, around 8:30 PM, when a fight reportedly broke out on the ship while it was still in British waters. The victim, James Messham, died following the altercation aboard the cruise. His body was kept aboard the ship until it docked back in Southampton on Monday morning.
Joby Carter, a friend of Mr. Messham and fellow performer, expressed his sorrow, stating, "I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news - He was a legend. We always got along with him - He was a proper gent, salt of the earth. You knew if you had a problem he would come and help you any time day or night."
As the investigation continues, Hampshire Constabulary has urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward. The ship had returned from Bruges at 06:00 on Monday, May 5, 2025, and remains in Southampton.
In a statement, MSC Cruises 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." This incident comes just months after another tragedy involving the MSC Virtuosa, when Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda, 28, died after falling overboard near the Channel Islands in October 2024.
As the community mourns the loss of Mr. Messham, many are left reflecting on the dangers of excessive drinking and the importance of safety measures aboard cruise ships. The MSC Virtuosa has been a popular choice for travelers, but this recent event has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and the management of onboard behavior.
While the investigation unfolds, friends and family of James Messham continue to share their memories and tributes, celebrating his life as a beloved showman and family man. The loss of a vibrant personality like Mr. Messham has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
