A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of a man aboard a cruise ship has been released on bail while a police investigation continues. A homicide probe was launched by Hampshire Constabulary after a 60-year-old man from West Sussex died on board the MSC Virtuosa while it was still in British waters on Saturday, May 3.

A police spokesperson said that a 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, has now been released. He said: “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 8.30pm on Saturday (May 3).

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

“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.”

The ship returned from Belgium to Southampton, Hampshire, on Monday.

The deceased is understood to have been part of a stag party on board the ship.

MSC Cruises said in a statement: “Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are cooperating fully with their investigations.

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

The MSC Virtuosa is operated by MSC Cruises and has a capacity of 6,334 guests.

It was used for the filming of the Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder starring Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley.

And in October 2024, a woman died after going overboard from the 331-metre cruise ship while off the Channel Islands.