The FBI is conducting an inquiry following the death of a passenger on RCI/Royal Caribbean International’s ship Navigator of the Seas.
The FBI responded to the vessel upon its arrival in Los Angeles CA on Monday, December 16th. The investigation pertains to an onboard incident resulting in a fatality, though no further details were disclosed.
According to local news reports, 35-year-old Michael Virgil was involved in an altercation with crew members during the weekend voyage. Footage reportedly shows the man attempting to break down the door to a room where a crew member had taken refuge. Security personnel eventually restrained him.
The ship, which departed Los Angeles on December 13th for Ensenada (Mexico), resumed the itinerary after the incident.
A spokesperson for RCG/Royal Caribbean Group (the shipowner) expressed condolences for the passenger’s death, noting that the company had offered support to the family and was cooperating with authorities in their investigation.
A fellow passenger shared his account of the event, alleging that Virgil was intoxicated and had threatened him, as well as physically assaulted two crew members shortly after the ship set sail. He described feeling trapped in the hallway during the episode.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner stated that the cause of Virgil’s death remains under investigation.
For more Navigator OTS incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.