Drunk passenger fought crew, died after security intervenes

Listen To Story Above

A tragic incident unfolded aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship when a passenger lost his life after being restrained for allegedly attacking crew members and making violent threats while intoxicated.

The incident involved Michael Virgil, 35, who passed away on Friday during an Ensenada-bound voyage. According to his family’s account reported by FOX 11, his death occurred after security personnel administered what they claim was a sedative.

The confrontation began less than an hour after the Navigator of the Seas departed from San Pedro. Reports indicate Virgil physically assaulted two crew members, delivering a kick to one’s face and striking another with his fist.

This is why I am hesitant to go o a cruise!! Royal Caribbean passenger Michael Virgil dies in detainment after assaulting crew members, threatening travelers: report https://t.co/7sfYgfLlfY

/div>

— Chipster412 (@chipster412) December 18, 2024

Fellow passenger Christifer Mikhail recounted the frightening experience to FOX 11, stating “The gentleman that was drunk said that he was going to kill us. He started chasing us down the hallway.”

Mikhail described fleeing alongside a crew member, who sought refuge in a towel closet. Video footage captured by Mikhail shows Virgil repeatedly attempting to breach the locked door while wearing steel-toed boots. The recording depicts him removing his shirt and using profane language in the ship’s corridor. Witnesses also reported racial slurs during the incident.

“I was kind of scared,” Mikhail shared. “I’m stuck in this hallway. He could of flicked me and thrown me like 30 feet because the guy he punched kinda flew a couple feet back.”

Ship security eventually subdued an exhausted Virgil using restraints including zip ties and handcuffs, along with either bear or pepper spray, according to witness accounts and video evidence. Within an hour of being detained, Virgil was pronounced dead.

On November 7th, Royal Caribbean’s "Explorer of the Seas" tilted during a sudden squall off Africa's coast, causing injuries and property damage.

One passenger said “I am not alone in saying I thought the ship was going over”. Another responded, “We were on deck 12, and thought… pic.twitter.com/QzecPhk9lr

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 25, 2024

Family members expressed shock at Virgil’s behavior, describing it as completely out of character for the father, who was vacationing with his fiancé and 7-year-old son who has autism. “He didn’t deserve to die over it,” a family member told FOX 11.

The exact cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy results, with the FBI currently investigating both the altercation and subsequent death.

Royal Caribbean addressed the incident in a statement to FOX 11: “We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.”