Search for cruise passenger

The Aurora moored in Southampton Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

A search operation is under way for a British woman believed to have fallen overboard from a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. The passenger was reported missing on the Aurora ship as it sailed from the Portuguese city Oporto to Barcelona yesterday, P&O Cruises said.

The ship's crew were alerted and ordered an immediate search of the area which has so far failed to find the as-yet unnamed woman. Authorities are now providing assistance for the missing woman's family, the cruise operator said.

The Aurora left Southampton for a 14-night western Mediterranean cruise on September 26. P&O Cruises confirmed all passengers on board were British. A statement from P&O Cruises said: "We can confirm a missing female presumed overboard from Aurora sailing from Oporto to Barcelona. The ship turned round to search for her and all relevant authorities have been advised.

"Aurora is on a 14-night Western Mediterranean cruise which left Southampton on Wednesday September 26. Our care team is supporting the family and offering assistance."