Body Found After P&O Pacific Adventure Cruise Ship Passenger Fell Overboard Near Sydney Harbor

By Madz Dizon

May 05, 2024 11:56 PM EDT

Body Found After Pacific Adventure Cruise Ship Passenger Fell Overboard Near Sydney Harbor — The "Pioneer P&O", the world's largest double-ended hybrid ferry, leaves the port of Calais, on March 25, 2024.
(Photo : BERNARD BARRON/AFP via Getty Images)

An unidentified body has been found during the ongoing search for an individual who was reported missing after going overboard from a cruise ship in the waters near Sydney.

P&O Cruise Ship Halts Journey

A man reportedly fell overboard from the P&O Pacific Adventure just after 4 am, prompting the ship to halt its journey about 20km outside of Sydney Harbor..

According to a passenger who spoke to radio station 2GB, the ship has been actively engaged in search and rescue efforts since the incident.

The ship was expected to arrive in Sydney Harbor at 6am on Monday morning, but it is still in the waters near Sydney as an urgent search is underway.

According to DailyMail, the ship, with over 2600 guests on board, was scheduled to arrive in Sydney Harbor at 6am. However, the crew spent Monday morning searching the area instead.

Authorities said the challenging weather conditions posed significant obstacles for search operations, as rescue teams had to contend with waves reaching heights of 5 meters and strong winds blowing at speeds of 50 to 60 km/h.

At approximately 10:30am, authorities confirmed that a man's body was found in the water and successfully recovered.

Infrared Tech Aids in Locating Missing Individual

The Pacific Adventure has received clearance from the authorities to return to port, according to a statement from a P&O spokesperson.

7News reported that the search for the missing man was led by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, with multiple helicopters and tug boats scoring the air and water.

Authorities used infrared technology to locate the individual's heat signature amidst frigid waters. Passengers on board the ship described the atmosphere as filled with tension and a somber mood as search efforts unfolded.

The Pacific Adventure is back from a three-day cruise to Queensland's Moreton Island. The Carnival Splendor was given the green light to dock shortly before 9am.