A tragic incident unfolded aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last Friday when a passenger lost his life after an alleged violent, alcohol-induced rampage. The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Michael Virgil, reportedly attacked crew members and threatened fellow passengers. Virgil’s family claims that a sedative administered by the ship’s security personnel led to his untimely death.
The incident took place less than an hour after the ship, Navigator of the Seas, set sail for Ensenada. Virgil is reported to have assaulted two crew members, one of whom was kicked in the face, and threatened to kill other passengers.
Christifer Mikhail, a fellow passenger, provided a chilling account of the incident. He described how Virgil chased him and a crew member down a hallway, forcing the crew member to seek refuge in a towel closet. Virgil then attempted to break down the door, an act caught on video by Mikhail. The footage shows Virgil, clad in steel-toed boots, repeatedly kicking the door and shouting obscenities.
Mikhail also alleged that Virgil launched into a racially charged tirade during the incident. He noted that Virgil’s physical strength was evident when a crew member he punched was sent flying several feet back.
The Royal Caribbean security team eventually managed to subdue an exhausted Virgil. According to Mikhail’s account and video footage, they used zip ties, handcuffs, and either bear or pepper spray to restrain him.
Sadly, Virgil died within an hour of the incident. His family maintains that a sedative administered by the ship’s security personnel contributed to his death. They described the violent outburst as uncharacteristic of Virgil, who was on the cruise with his 7-year-old autistic son and his fiancé. A family member expressed their grief, stating that Virgil did not deserve to die.
The cause of Virgil’s death is still undetermined, pending an autopsy. The FBI is currently investigating both the altercation and the subsequent death. Royal Caribbean expressed their condolences in a statement, saying they were saddened by the passing of one of their guests and are offering support to the family while cooperating with the authorities in their investigation.