Passenger dies after falling from cruise ship off the coast of Alderney

A woman in her 20s has died after falling overboard from a cruise ship off the coast of Alderney while travelling to Southampton.

The French coastguard received a passenger overboard distress message from the MSC Virtuosa to the north of Les Casquets rocks shortly after midnight this morning (12 October).

The passenger was located in the water at around 2.30am and was hoisted onto a French search and rescue helicopter, and was later confirmed dead by a medical team in France.

An RNLI lifeboat from Alderney and a Channel Islands Air Search plane were deployed as part of the rescue mission.

Jobourg MRCC requested the Channel Island officials to aid with their search.

• Video from Channel Island Air Search

The Lions' Pride plane departed Guernsey at 2am, using infra-red cameras to help their French counterparts, but were stood down shortly after as the passenger had been located.

Alderney's RNLI boat was also stood down shortly after it was launched.

An MSC Cruises spokesperson said: “A guest on board MSC Virtuosa went overboard on 12 October, while the ship was sailing to Southampton.

"The body was later recovered with the involvement of the authorities.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing further details.”

The cruise ship is currently berthed at Southampton docks, having arrived at 8.04am from Cartagena Port in Spain.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers were assisting with inquiries.

The force says the investigation will not be managed by UK authorities.

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