FBI launches investigation into cruise ship death in international waters
A Royal Caribbean passenger, identified as 35-year-old Michael Virgil, died onboard the Navigator of the Seas shortly after being detained for allegedly assaulting crew members and threatening fellow passengers. The incident unfolded less than an hour after the ship set sail from San Pedro, California, en route to Ensenada, Mexico.
A chaotic and violent outburst
Witnesses reported that Virgil, apparently intoxicated, began shouting racial slurs, threatening passengers, and attempting to break down cabin doors. He allegedly assaulted two Royal Caribbean staff members, kicking one in the face and punching the other, before the ship’s security team intervened.
“The drunk gentleman said he was going to kill us. He started chasing us down the hallway,” passenger Christifer Mikhail told FOX 11. Security personnel subdued Virgil using pepper spray, zip ties, and handcuffs. He was then transported to a holding cell, where a family member claimed that a sedative was administered during the ordeal.
Death within an hour of detention
Royal Caribbean officials confirmed that Virgil was pronounced dead within an hour of being detained. The cruise line expressed condolences to his family in a statement, saying, “We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.”
A family in mourning
Virgil’s family has expressed shock over the events, describing his actions as uncharacteristic. He was traveling with his fiancée and their 7-year-old son, who has autism. “He didn’t deserve to die over it,” a relative told FOX 11, expressing grief over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigation underway
Since the incident occurred in international waters, the FBI has taken over the investigation. Authorities are reviewing a range of evidence, including passenger videos, ship surveillance footage, and body camera recordings from crew members.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. While the investigation continues, the case has raised questions about the handling of onboard disturbances and the measures used to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The Navigator of the Seas has since resumed its voyage, but the tragedy has left fellow passengers and crew members shaken as details surrounding Virgil’s death remain unclear.