Suspect out on bail after grandfather on cruise ship dies following altercation

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A grandfather in Britain is being remembered as a “great showman” after he died following an altercation on a cruise ship last weekend.

James Messham, 60, died aboard the MSC Virtuosa hours after the cruise ship left Southampton, England for Belgium on Saturday.

A medic treated Messham but was unable to save his life.

It appears that Messham was a member of a bachelor party on the two-night cruise.

“Officers are continuing their inquiries into the death of a 60-year-old man from West Sussex on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened around 8.30 p.m. on Saturday,” a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman told the Birmingham Mail.

“A 57-year-old man arrested as part of our inquiries has been released on bail.”

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A spokesperson for MSC Cruises released a statement following Messham’s death.

“Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are cooperating fully with their investigations,” the cruise ship company said in a statement to People.

“We are providing full support to those impacted and thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”

The victim was an experienced rider who operated Messham’s Wall of Death, Britain’s oldest family-owned travelling motorcycle stunt show.

Jake Messham, the victim’s son, uploaded a photo of his father to Facebook on Sunday as friends offered their condolences.

“My deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a proper old school showman, condolences to the rest of the family,” one person wrote.

Another was sorry to hear the shocking news and 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,” the friend said. “He was a great showman and friend to all.”