Latest news with #Carter'sSteamFair
Metro
07-05-2025
- Metro
Grandad, 60, killed in 'stag do fight' on board cruise ship named and pictured
A man allegedly killed on a luxury cruise just hours into a stag do has been remembered as a 'legend'. James Messham, 60, died on the MSC Virtuosa at around 8.30pm on Saturday after an 'altercation'. He was travelling with relatives and is understood to have run the motorbike show The Wall of Death. The ship was in British waters after leaving Southampton bound for Bruges, Belgium, when a fight broke out. A 57-year-old man from Exeter has been arrested on suspicion of murder. On Wednesday, Hampshire Constabulary said he had been bailed as the investigation continues. It is understood three family members of the dead man, two women and a man met the vessel on the quayside to try and gain entry on the ship. Joby Carter said he was a 'proper gent' who was part of Carter's Steam Fair until around eight years ago. He told The Sun: 'I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news. He was a legend. 'We used to travel Carter's Steam Fair. He approached us because he had a wall of death and wanted to travel with us. 'We always got along with him. He was a proper gent, salt of the earth. 'You knew if you had a problem he would come and help you any time day or night.' Posts on social media describe James as an 'icon' and a 'big strong man who will be missed'. Other family members have posted pictures of him in tribute. Harry Clark, the winner of the BBC show Traitors last year, was also on board the luxury cruise. More Trending There is no suggestion Harry was involved in the violence. Lynda Hardiman-Pearce, who runs catering business the Spud Shack, described meeting the celebrity before witnessing the violence. She told Metro: 'It was carnage on the ship there were a lot of people drinking a lot. I thought I was a party animal until I saw this lot. 'People were jolly but it was a bit like a modern Wild West with stag and hen dos everywhere.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Urgent search for missing girl after sister found 'starving and locked in closet by mum' MORE: Girl, 13, raped by teenage boy 'last seen at McDonald's' MORE: Nine arrested after group celebrated Hitler's birthday with cake at a pub
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Grandad, 60, ‘murdered' hours after leaving UK on stag do cruise is pictured – as pals pay tribute to ‘proper gent'
Police arrested a 57-year-old man when the ship returned to Southampton CRUISE TRAGEDY Grandad, 60, 'murdered' hours after leaving UK on stag do cruise is pictured – as pals pay tribute to 'proper gent' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GRANDAD who was allegedly murdered just hours into a stag do cruise to Belgium has been remembered as a 'legend'. James Messham, 60, died following an 'altercation' on board the MSC Virtuosa around 8.30pm on Saturday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 James Messham died following an 'altercation' on board a cruise ship on Saturday Credit: Facebook 4 The tragedy took place hours after the MSC Virtuosa set sail for Bruges Credit: MSC Rights The luxury ship was still in British waters after leaving Southampton, Hants, at 6pm enroute to Bruges. Police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of murder when the two-night cruise returned on Monday. Mr Messham is understood to have been travelling with relatives who helped him run popular motorbike stunt show the Wall of Death. Joby Carter described him as a 'proper gent' who was part of Carter's Steam Fair until around eight years ago. He said: 'I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news. He was a legend. 'We used to travel Carter's Steam Fair. He approached us because he had a wall of death and wanted to travel with us. 'We always got along with him. He was a proper gent, salt of the earth. 'You knew if you had a problem he would come and help you any time day or night. 'He was such a trier and did really well in the haulage business as well. 'Travelling the Wall of Death is a labour of love. You've got to love it. Holidaymaker, 60, killed in 'fight' on luxury cruise ship hours after leaving UK as man, 57, arrested over 'murder' "They stopped travelling with us about eight years ago. I still spoke to him a couple of times a year. 'You couldn't watch that show without the hairs on your arms coming up.' An on-board army medic is believed to have treated stunt performer Mr Messham, who also rode motorbikes as part of the daredevil show. His family in Sussex were too upset to speak - but some relatives have posted touching pictures in memory of their dad on Facebook. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary released the arrested suspect on bail on Tuesday afternoon. Among shocked guests was Traitors winner Harry Clark, who was enjoying a long weekend with his girlfriend and pals on MSC Virtuosa. Like many other passengers, the reality TV star had no idea about the tragic death until later on. A source said: 'Harry is clearly very shocked and saddened by the news and is thinking of the individual's family and friends. 'You really don't expect that to happen on a cruise and it's a very scary situation.' Harry, 23, who won the £95,000 prize in last year's series of the hit BBC show, took selfies with other guests during an onboard white party. His girlfriend Anna, 24, sister of singer Connor Maynard, posted snaps captioned on Instagram: 'Stripe obsession and lift selfies on a cruise.' Mr Messham's death was the second tragedy onboard MSC Virtuosa in a matter of months. Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda, 28, died after falling overboard near the Channel Islands in October. The ship is used to film Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder starring X Factor winner Shayne Ward. Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries.' A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa said: 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted.' 4 Traitors winner Harry Clark was on board with girlfriend Anna Maynard Credit: Instagram
