A murder investigation has been launched after a 60-year-old man died following a fight onboard a cruise ship off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
Police have arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of murder in the aftermath of the incident onboard the MSC Virtuosa, which occurred just a few miles to the East of the Isle of Wight on Saturday night, at around 20:30.
It’s known that the cruise ship left Southampton at 18:00 on 3rd May, making its way down Southampton Water and The Solent into open waters.
Just 2-and-a-half hours into the booze cruise to Bruges, a fight is alleged to have broken out – which led to the death of a 60-year-old man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cruise continued onto the continent and returned to Southampton during the early hours of this morning (Bank Holiday Monday).
Upon arrival in Southampton, Police descended on the cruise ship and made their arrest. The suspect remains in custody this afternoon.
The cruise has been described by those on board as a ‘party’ cruise, with lots of birthday, stag and hen groups celebrating.
DCI Matt Gillooly of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident on-board, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries.
“If anyone who was on-board has information that could assist, please contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 with reference 44250193676.”
A spokesperson for MSC has told the MailOnline:
“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 impacte”.
Coincidentally, the alleged murder is said to have happened in the vicinity of a search for a windsurfer in difficulty, which led to the launch of Bembridge RNLI lifeboat, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The youth of today….
Sounds like Ryde on a Friday night
Lol
Booze cruise, whatever next.
Wherever there is booze, there is trouble.
Majority of people cannot hold their booze.
A booze cruise.really?? great jurnalism..
Exeter ..sums it up.