Tragic Stag Do Incident: 60-Year-Old Grandfather Dies Aboard Cruise Ship – Full Story and Pictures Inside

A tragic incident unfolded aboard the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship, where a 60-year-old man named James Messham was killed during a stag do celebration. The altercation occurred around 8:30 PM on Saturday, shortly after the ship departed from Southampton, heading towards Bruges, Belgium.

James, fondly remembered as a "legend," was well-known for running the motorbike show "The Wall of Death." He was traveling with family and was described as a generous and reliable person who was always ready to help others. Joby Carter, a friend, shared that James had a notable presence in the fairground community and was a person of great character.

The local authorities have arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of murder, who has since been released on bail as the investigation continues. In a move that shocked friends and family, several of James’s relatives attempted to board the ship after hearing the news of the incident.

Witness accounts from the cruise indicate that the environment became chaotic due to heavy drinking, likening the scene to a “modern Wild West,” with stag and hen parties in full swing. Celebrity Harry Clark, who won the BBC show Traitors last year, was also on the cruise but was not involved in the violent incident.

In the wake of this tragedy, social media tributes have poured in, with family members mourning the loss of a man they described as an "icon" and a "big strong man who will be missed.


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