A 60-year-old man who died onboard the MSC Virtuosa on Saturday is the second person to die on the luxury cruise ship in the last eight months. A murder investigation has been launched following his death after he reportedly died following an altercation. The ship left Southampton on Saturday, heading for Bruges in Belgium, yet it arrived back in the UK on the same day. A 57-year-old man was arrested by police on arrival.

Hampshire Police confirmed his death, saying the victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by the authorities. In a statement, the force said: "A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in his 60s on the MSC Virtuosa on Saturday.

"It was reported that at around 8.30pm on 3 May, the victim died following an altercation. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"As part of our enquiries, a 57-year-old man from Exeter has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time.

" Anyone with information surrounding the circumstances of the incident are urged to contact Hampshire Constabulary."

The man's death follows a woman who died on the luxury ship just eight months prior, after going overboard while en route to Southampton.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, the Senior Investigating Officer, emphasised that the incident appears to be "isolated", adding his thanks to the "crew for their cooperation and assistance" with the ongoing enquiries.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises told The Mirror: "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."

A huge search and rescue mission was launched during the night, as alarms were raised to passengers at 12:55am on October 12. A "man overboard" announcement was made as the captain let off "three loud blasts".

The ship then slowed down, and the crew conducted a search for the woman. One passenger told the Mirror that spotlights were illuminated in a bid to find the body.