The body of a woman who fell overboard from a P&O Australia's ship off South Australia's coast overnight was found.
Crew on Pacific Explorer ship discovered the 23-year-old passenger was missing when the liner was ~70 km (~44 mi) off Cape Jaffa (South Australia’s southeast coastline) at about midnight.
The search and rescue aircraft coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority was joined by two helicopters at daybreak on Wednesday, December 14th, and the woman’s body was found in the water just before 7 am.
In a statement, Carnival Australia spokeswoman said the tragic discovery came after an overnight search and rescue operation.
“We continue to provide care and assistance to the family member this guest was travelling with and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones.”
The cruise company said the death had “deeply impacted” other passengers and the crew.
Pacific Explorer, which can accommodate ~2000 guests, left Victoria on Tuesday, December 13th, for a 4-night roundtrip from Melbourne visiting Kangaroo Island.
The visit to the island was canceled and the liner is now sailing back (satellite AIS tracking) to Melbourne.
Victoria police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
For more Pacific Explorer incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.