Second person arrested following death on MSC Virtuosa 

A second person has been arrested in connection with the death of a 60-year-old man on board MSC Virtuosa.

James Messham, from Shoreham, West Sussex, died following an “altercation” on the ship as it was in UK waters on May 3 during a short cruise to Belgium.

A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was released pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary.

The force has now confirmed that a second man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said on Sunday: “A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened at around 8.30pm on Saturday 3 May.

“A 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody at this time. 

“We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton around 6pm on Saturday and was still in British waters at the time.

“Anyone with information should call 101, quoting the reference 44250193676.”

In a statement issued after the incident, an MSC Cruises spokesperson said: "Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted and we are co-operating fully with their investigations.

"We are providing full support to those impacted."