The cruise ship Cruise Europa arrived from Patras, Greece, on a trip to Ancona. The victim's body was found inside the vehicle hold of the vessel, and according to the local prosecutor's office, it showed no signs of injury or abuse.

In summer weather, the enclosed hold can get as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and according to local reports, Italian officials think it is possible that the victim asphyxiated while the vessel was under way.

Border police in Italy are conducting an investigation into the cause of the murder. Whether the victim came aboard in a truck is not clear, and drivers whose vehicles were in the hold have not confirmed seeing him.

Maritime Business World