Overview

• The incident occurred at approximately 8:30pm on Saturday, May 3, just hours after the MSC Virtuosa left Southampton for a two-night cruise to Bruges.
• The 60-year-old victim reportedly died following an altercation onboard while the ship was still in British waters.
• The vessel returned to Southampton on Monday morning, where a 57-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
• Hampshire police have launched a homicide investigation, describing the incident as isolated, and are appealing for witnesses among passengers to assist with inquiries.
• MSC Cruises is cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to the victim’s family, who are being assisted by specialist officers.