A 35-year-old Royal Caribbean passenger, Michael Virgil, died shortly after being detained by cruise security for unruly behavior during a sailing from San Pedro to Ensenada. Virgil, who was reportedly intoxicated, became violent, attacking crew members and threatening fellow passengers.
Christifer Mikhail, who was aboard the cruise with his family to celebrate a special occasion, told FOX 11's Hailey Winslow that Virgil had chased them down a hallway and made violent threats. Passengers recorded video of Virgil attempting to kick down a door and launching into a racial tirade.
Security intervened, using zip ties, handcuffs, and pepper spray to subdue him. Family members later claimed that security injected Virgil with a sedative before his death. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed the death of a passenger and expressed their sorrow over the incident. In a statement released on December 17, the company said, “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.”
Virgil leaves behind a fiancée and a 7-year-old son with autism.
