A passenger aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tragically lost his life after being restrained for reportedly attacking crew members and menacing fellow passengers in an alcohol-fueled frenzy. The incident occurred on Friday, on the Ensenada-bound cruise, with the deceased identified as 35-year-old Michael Virgil. His family alleges that he was administered a sedative by the ship’s security personnel, which they believe led to his death.
Virgil’s violent outburst reportedly began less than an hour after the ship, Navigator of the Seas, departed from San Pedro. He is said to have threatened to kill other passengers and assaulted two crew members. One crew member was allegedly kicked in the face by Virgil, while another was punched.
A fellow passenger, Christifer Mikhail, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating that Virgil chased him and a crew member down a hallway. The crew member managed to find refuge in a towel closet, locking himself inside. Virgil then attempted to break down the door, as captured in a video recorded by Mikhail. The footage shows Virgil, wearing steel-toed boots, repeatedly kicking the door and hurling obscenities. He later removed his shirt in the ship’s hallway.
Mikhail also claimed that Virgil launched into a racially charged tirade. He expressed his fear during the incident, noting that Virgil’s physical strength was evident when a crew member he punched was sent flying several feet back.
Eventually, several members of the Royal Caribbean security team were able to subdue Virgil, who had become exhausted. They used zip ties, handcuffs, and either bear or pepper spray to restrain him, as per Mikhail’s account and his video footage.
Tragically, Virgil died within an hour of the incident. His family alleges that he was administered a sedative, which they believe led to his death. They described the violent outburst as out of character for 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 yet to be determined, 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.