Cruise ship operator Carnival Australia has confirmed that a passenger on board their Pacific Explorer vessel was found dead after falling overboard on the evening of December 13.

The 23-year-old woman had been travelling with a family member, who is being cared for by Carnival's onboard team as they cope with this distressing tragedy.

‘This tragic discovery comes after an overnight search and rescue operation,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required.’

Responders found her body at around 7 AM this morning.

The pair were travelling from Port Melbourne, Victoria, to Kangaroo Island and vice versa as part of a four-day trip.

The search for her began shortly after midnight when the crew of the Pacific Explorer noticed she was missing during sail off nearby Cape Jaffa in South Australia.

Carnival Australia has assured it will cooperate with authorities on the death of the 23-year-old woman. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/Cruise Passenger

An alarm was triggered at 11:30 PM, which prompted search and rescue operations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Two helicopters and an aeroplane were deployed to search for the missing woman in the waters off South Australia's southeast coastline in the Great Australian Bight — where authorities eventually discovered the woman's body.

The body was then retrieved and identified.

​

The Pacific Explorer, which remained stationary while the search and rescue operations were ongoing as part of its protocol, will no longer proceed with its original route.

Instead, the cruise ship will return to Port Melbourne where authorities will investigate the circumstances behind the woman’s death.

Now, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of falling overboard, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Remember that panicking won't help you in these kinds of situations.

The open ocean is a terrifying place to fall in, but to the best that you can — don’t panic. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Sebastian Arie Voortman

If ever you fall from a small boat, the first step is to try to get back onto the boat. If the boat is close, you may be able to grab onto a line or railing and pull yourself back up.

If that isn't possible, hold onto any floating objects or debris you may find. If you are wearing a life jacket, this will help you stay afloat until you can be rescued.

If you can't immediately get back onto the boat or fall from a large ship, try to make yourself visible to those on board. Wave your arms, yell for help by shouting ‘Man overboard!’, or blow a whistle if you have one. Try to stay close so that you can easily be found.

If the boat or ship is too far away, the best thing you can do is to conserve your energy and keep as warm as possible. Moving about is said to expend more body heat, which can be disastrous in cold water.

And lastly, float on your back with your head facing the sky. This will help keep you afloat and make it easier for rescuers to spot you.

Key Takeaways

• A 23-year-old woman was found dead after falling off a cruise ship in waters off South Australia.
• The cruise ship operated by Carnival Australia was on its way to Kangaroo Island at the time.
• Emergency services and aircraft, along with the Carnival Australia onboard team, conducted a search and rescue effort, leading to the discovery of the woman's body.
• Victoria Police will be conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Our deepest condolences to the young woman’s family and loved ones.

Our thoughts also go out to guests still on board and all staff involved in what we're sure has been an incredibly difficult situation.

Stay posted at our News & Politics forum for other current events.
What is your reaction to this story?

Tell us in the comments section below.

 

[JayKay]

So tragic, such a young person....on a holiday.
How hard would it be to not panic....with that great dark depth of ocean under you, with unknown predators looking for food?

 

[ShannyN]

Just hope alcohol or drugs weren't a possible cause

 

[Suzanne rose]

I loved going on cruises and I have been on this particular cruise ship to Tasmania.
I found the seas much rougher than cruises north.
I remember we met a couple on a cruise to Morton Bay and they were telling us how they nearly stopped cruising because on one cruise a young person had jumped overboard and never found .

They then said that it is a common thing for people to plan a suicide or they know they are dying and choose to die at sea in their cabin.

I felt so sad and depressed after hearing this I had said I wasn't going on anymore.

I'm sure they will workout what happened due to the cameras everywhere.

 

[Ricci]

My thoughts and prayers to not just her family but all the people on the ship who were all just looking for a good time and were unwittingly drawn into this catastrophe.
Thoughts also to the emergency services manned in a lot of cases by volunteers and they are always there when the need arise.

 

[Zoya]

Cruise ship operator Carnival Australia has confirmed that a passenger on board their Pacific Explorer vessel was found dead after falling overboard on the evening of December 13.

The 23-year-old woman had been travelling with a family member, who is being cared for by Carnival's onboard team as they cope with this distressing tragedy.

‘This tragic discovery comes after an overnight search and rescue operation,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required.’

Responders found her body at around 7 AM this morning.

The pair were travelling from Port Melbourne, Victoria, to Kangaroo Island and vice versa as part of a four-day trip.

The search for her began shortly after midnight when the crew of the Pacific Explorer noticed she was missing during sail off nearby Cape Jaffa in South Australia.

View attachment 10438

Carnival Australia has assured it will cooperate with authorities on the death of the 23-year-old woman. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/Cruise Passenger

An alarm was triggered at 11:30 PM, which prompted search and rescue operations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Two helicopters and an aeroplane were deployed to search for the missing woman in the waters off South Australia's southeast coastline in the Great Australian Bight — where authorities eventually discovered the woman's body.

The body was then retrieved and identified.

​

The Pacific Explorer, which remained stationary while the search and rescue operations were ongoing as part of its protocol, will no longer proceed with its original route.

Instead, the cruise ship will return to Port Melbourne where authorities will investigate the circumstances behind the woman’s death.

Now, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of falling overboard, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Remember that panicking won't help you in these kinds of situations.

View attachment 10437

The open ocean is a terrifying place to fall in, but to the best that you can — don’t panic. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Sebastian Arie Voortman

If ever you fall from a small boat, the first step is to try to get back onto the boat. If the boat is close, you may be able to grab onto a line or railing and pull yourself back up.

If that isn't possible, hold onto any floating objects or debris you may find. If you are wearing a life jacket, this will help you stay afloat until you can be rescued.

If you can't immediately get back onto the boat or fall from a large ship, try to make yourself visible to those on board. Wave your arms, yell for help by shouting ‘Man overboard!’, or blow a whistle if you have one. Try to stay close so that you can easily be found.

If the boat or ship is too far away, the best thing you can do is to conserve your energy and keep as warm as possible. Moving about is said to expend more body heat, which can be disastrous in cold water.

And lastly, float on your back with your head facing the sky. This will help keep you afloat and make it easier for rescuers to spot you.

Key Takeaways

• A 23-year-old woman was found dead after falling off a cruise ship in waters off South Australia.
• The cruise ship operated by Carnival Australia was on its way to Kangaroo Island at the time.
• Emergency services and aircraft, along with the Carnival Australia onboard team, conducted a search and rescue effort, leading to the discovery of the woman's body.
• Victoria Police will be conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Our deepest condolences to the young woman’s family and loved ones.

Our thoughts also go out to guests still on board and all staff involved in what we're sure has been an incredibly difficult situation.

Stay posted at our News & Politics forum for other current events.
What is your reaction to this story?

Tell us in the comments section below.

So very sad!

Cruise ship operator Carnival Australia has confirmed that a passenger on board their Pacific Explorer vessel was found dead after falling overboard on the evening of December 13.

The 23-year-old woman had been travelling with a family member, who is being cared for by Carnival's onboard team as they cope with this distressing tragedy.

‘This tragic discovery comes after an overnight search and rescue operation,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required.’

Responders found her body at around 7 AM this morning.

The pair were travelling from Port Melbourne, Victoria, to Kangaroo Island and vice versa as part of a four-day trip.

The search for her began shortly after midnight when the crew of the Pacific Explorer noticed she was missing during sail off nearby Cape Jaffa in South Australia.

View attachment 10438

Carnival Australia has assured it will cooperate with authorities on the death of the 23-year-old woman. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/Cruise Passenger

An alarm was triggered at 11:30 PM, which prompted search and rescue operations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Two helicopters and an aeroplane were deployed to search for the missing woman in the waters off South Australia's southeast coastline in the Great Australian Bight — where authorities eventually discovered the woman's body.

The body was then retrieved and identified.

​

The Pacific Explorer, which remained stationary while the search and rescue operations were ongoing as part of its protocol, will no longer proceed with its original route.

Instead, the cruise ship will return to Port Melbourne where authorities will investigate the circumstances behind the woman’s death.

Now, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of falling overboard, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Remember that panicking won't help you in these kinds of situations.

View attachment 10437

The open ocean is a terrifying place to fall in, but to the best that you can — don’t panic. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Sebastian Arie Voortman

If ever you fall from a small boat, the first step is to try to get back onto the boat. If the boat is close, you may be able to grab onto a line or railing and pull yourself back up.

If that isn't possible, hold onto any floating objects or debris you may find. If you are wearing a life jacket, this will help you stay afloat until you can be rescued.

If you can't immediately get back onto the boat or fall from a large ship, try to make yourself visible to those on board. Wave your arms, yell for help by shouting ‘Man overboard!’, or blow a whistle if you have one. Try to stay close so that you can easily be found.

If the boat or ship is too far away, the best thing you can do is to conserve your energy and keep as warm as possible. Moving about is said to expend more body heat, which can be disastrous in cold water.

And lastly, float on your back with your head facing the sky. This will help keep you afloat and make it easier for rescuers to spot you.

Key Takeaways

• A 23-year-old woman was found dead after falling off a cruise ship in waters off South Australia.
• The cruise ship operated by Carnival Australia was on its way to Kangaroo Island at the time.
• Emergency services and aircraft, along with the Carnival Australia onboard team, conducted a search and rescue effort, leading to the discovery of the woman's body.
• Victoria Police will be conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Our deepest condolences to the young woman’s family and loved ones.

Our thoughts also go out to guests still on board and all staff involved in what we're sure has been an incredibly difficult situation.

Stay posted at our News & Politics forum for other current events.
What is your reaction to this story?

Tell us in the comments section below.

So very sad for everyone. Condolences to the girl’s family.