Tragedy on Pacific Explorer: Missing woman, 23, found dead after falling overboard from cruise ship

A spokesperson told Daily Mail, "AMSA deployed a Melbourne based Challenger and two rescue helicopters to conduct the search alongside Pacific Explorer throughout the night. The body of a woman was found by rescue helicopter this morning at about 7.am and was taken to Mt Gambier hospital for identification. AMSA expresses condolences to the family of the deceased."

P&O's operator, Carnival Cruises, also confirmed the woman's death. "This tragic discovery comes after an overnight search and rescue operation," a spokesperson said. "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 ship company said the death had also "deeply impacted" other guests and the crew. "As you can appreciate this has also deeply impacted our remaining guests and crew. We thank all involved who supported this distressing and challenging search operation. Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required."

The ship, which can accommodate about 2,000 guests, left Victoria on Tuesday for a four-night return voyage from Port Melbourne to Kangaroo Island. A cruise passenger said that despite the woman's death, the ship's activities still continue as scheduled. "It’s pretty much business as usual, if that makes sense. Most of the talk is about the woman overboard. Restaurants and everything are operating as normal. Most of the decks were closed before due to strong winds. It’s been a rough cruise."

The journey to the Kangaroo Island has been cancelled and the ship is returning to Melbourne. Victoria police will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.