Death Americas Los Angeles · 16 December 2024
FBI Investigates Passenger Death on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas: Incident on 16 December 2024
What happened
On 16 December 2024, a 35-year-old passenger, Michael Virgil, died aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas during a voyage from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. The death followed an altercation involving the passenger and crew members. The FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner are investigating the circumstances.
Royal Caribbean Group has expressed condolences to the family and is cooperating fully with investigating authorities. The vessel continued its itinerary following the incident.
Details of the incident
According to reports, Virgil was involved in an altercation with crew members during which he allegedly attempted to break down a door to a room where a crew member had sought refuge. Security personnel intervened and restrained him. A fellow passenger reported that Virgil appeared intoxicated and had behaved erratically, including threatening the passenger and assaulting crew members.
Casualties
Fatalities
- 1 passenger: Michael Virgil, age 35.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- Not applicable.
Emergency response and investigation
The FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner are leading the investigation into the circumstances of Virgil's death. Royal Caribbean Group is cooperating with all investigating authorities and has offered condolences to the family.
Current status
The Navigator of the Seas continued its scheduled itinerary following the incident. The investigation into the death remains ongoing.