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The Aurora
P&O cruise ship the Aurora in Southampton docks. A body has been recovered after a British woman fell from the ship in the Mediterranean. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA
P&O cruise ship the Aurora in Southampton docks. A body has been recovered after a British woman fell from the ship in the Mediterranean. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Body found in search for British woman who fell from cruise ship

This article is more than 11 years old
Woman fell overboard from the Aurora cruise ship in 'very choppy' Mediterranean sea

Rescuers searching for a British woman who fell overboard from a cruise ship in the Mediterranean have recovered a body, P&O Cruises says.

Authorities and P&O Cruises' care team are now providing assistance for the woman's family, the cruise operator says.

It is understood that passengers were informed of the discovery of the body through an announcement from the ship's captain, Ian Hutley.

A statement from P&O Cruises said: "Our care team is supporting the family and offering assistance."

The Aurora left Southampton for a 14-night western Mediterranean cruise on Wednesday. P&O Cruises confirmed that all passengers on board were British.

Pat Rodgers, who is on board the Aurora with her husband, Joseph, said the woman was believed to be in her 70s and on holiday with her daughter.

Rodgers, 70, from Sheffield, said the water had been "very choppy" and fellow passengers were "sad and subdued".

She said: "The captain made an announcement over the loudspeaker at 8.10am this morning and asked everyone to help keep a lookout.

"There have been planes and a helicopter circling overhead and the lifeboats are out.

"We heard that the woman is 72 and was on holiday with her daughter but we don't know how she fell in.

"The passengers are all very sad and subdued as the outlook doesn't look good. The sea is very choppy. We are just so concerned for this woman and her family. It is awful."

She added: "The crew have been great. They are keeping things calm and the captain is giving frequent updates."

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