Body found in cruise woman search

The search for a British woman who fell overboard from a cruise ship in the Mediterranean has been called off after a body was recovered.

The passenger was reported missing on the Aurora as it sailed from the Spanish city of La Coruna to Barcelona on Friday, said P&O Cruises.

The ship's crew was alerted and ordered an immediate search for the woman, who has not yet been named. Authorities and P&O Cruises' care team are now providing assistance for the woman's family, said the cruise operator. A statement from P&O Cruises said: "Our care team is supporting the family and offering assistance."

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

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.

Mrs 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."