In a significant search operation off the coast of Sydney (NSW Australia), a body has been discovered following reports of a man going missing from a cruise ship early this morning.
At ~10:30 AM, officers from the Police Marine Area Command recovered the body from the water.
The alarm was raised on the P&O Australia's vessel Pacific Adventure ~4 AM while the ship was ~10 NM (11 mi/18 km) off Sydney Heads.
Scheduled to dock at White Bay Terminal shortly thereafter, the Pacific Adventure's arrival was delayed due to the ongoing search efforts.
Earlier, NSW Police Marine Commander Joseph McNulty expressed optimism due to the deployment of three emergency life rings, one of which had not been retrieved, suggesting the possibility that the man had grasped onto it.
Rescue teams faced challenges posed by swells reaching 4 to 5 metres, impeding their efforts across a 60-square-nautical-mile search area, employing infrared technology to detect the man's heat signature.
A neighboring cruise ship in the vicinity joined the search, though attempts to lower lifeboats into the water were abandoned due to adverse sea conditions.
Several police vessels and tugboats, along with the Toll rescue helicopter, were deployed in the extensive search operation.
In a statement, P&O indicated that 2,600+ guests remained aboard the Pacific Adventure, now cleared to return to Sydney port. The ship's subsequent departure on a 4-night voyage to Queensland has been postponed until later tonight.
Acknowledging the distress experienced by guests and crew, P&O expressed gratitude for their patience and understanding during this challenging time.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with preparations underway to compile a report for the coroner.
For more Pacific Adventure incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.