Body found after P&O cruise ship passenger falls overboard near Sydney

P&O Cruises Australia told Yahoo the alarm was first raised on the P&O Pacific Adventure at around 4am on Monday.

Tracker showing the Carnival Splendour and the P&O Pacific Adventure circling off Sydney.
A man's body has been found in the water off Sydney's coast after a P&O Pacific Adventure cruise ship passenger fell overboard on Monday morning. Source: Cruise Mapper

A man’s body has been found in the water off the coast of Sydney during a search and rescue operation after a cruise ship passenger fell overboard early on Monday morning. NSW Police confirmed the man’s body was retrieved at around 10.30am.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner and launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises Australia confirmed to Yahoo News the alarm was first raised on the P&O Pacific Adventure — a four-day cruise that travelled to Queensland and was due to return to Sydney today — at around 4am.

Stock images of the P&O cruise ship.
The P&O Pacific Adventure was due to dock in Sydney at 6.30am. Source: P&O Cruises Australia

“Since this time, the ship carrying more than 2,600 guests, has been onsite searching along with other nearby vessels deployed to the area by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre,” they said.

P&O have since confirmed to Yahoo that the cruise ship has been cleared by NSW Police to return to port.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.

Pacific Adventure’s next voyage due to depart to White Bay this afternoon has been delayed, with the ship expected to leave later tonight on a 4-night voyage to Queensland.

“We thank guests for their care, understanding and patience on what’s been a distressing day for guests and crew. Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time.”

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