Tributes have been paid to a much-loved grandad allegedly murdered just hours after setting sail on a stag do cruise from Southampton to Belgium.

James Messham, 60, died following an altercation aboard the luxury cruise liner MSC Virtuosa around 8.30pm on Saturday, just two hours after departure.

The ship was still in British waters when the tragedy occurred. A 57-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of murder when the vessel returned to Southampton on Monday and has since been released on bail.

Mr. Messham, who was travelling with relatives connected to the famous Wall of Death motorbike stunt show, has been remembered as a “proper gent” and a “legend” of the travelling fair community.

Joby Carter, of Carter’s Steam Fair, said:

He was salt of the earth. If you had a problem, he would come and help you any time, day or night.

An onboard army medic reportedly tried to save Mr Messham after the incident. His family, too devastated to speak publicly, have shared moving tributes online.

Passengers, including Traitors reality show winner Harry Clark, were said to be unaware of the tragedy until much later. One guest described the incident as “a very scary situation.

This is the second tragedy to hit the MSC Virtuosa in recent months. In October, 28-year-old Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda died after falling overboard near the Channel Islands.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said:

We want to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident.

An MSC Virtuosa spokesperson added:

We are fully cooperating with the authorities and providing full support to those impacted.

The investigation remains ongoing.