Queensland police: Woman who fell overboard P&O cruise “not suspicious”

Queensland police: Woman who fell overboard P&O cruise “not suspicious”

Queensland police have begun investigating the circumstances around a tragic incident onboard a P&O cruise ship last week.

The 47-year-old woman fell overboard from the Pacific Dawn last Thursday around 150 nautical miles west of New Caledonia.

The ABC reports Queensland police met the ship when it docked in Brisbane on Sunday morning and crime scene detectives boarded the ship.

Inspector Rob Graham, Regional Duty officer, said the presumed death is being treated as an “intentional act”.

“The missing person did not accidentally fall,” he said, according to the ABC. 

“What can only be described as a very tragic set of circumstances on which should have been a weeklong holiday of a lifetime for a lot of people.”

The inspector also praised the efforts of the P&O crew in response to the incident and their assistance with the investigation.

“The level of professionalism is unquestionable,” he said.

According to a statement from P&O Cruises Australia, the family has been supported on board by senior crew members since the incident and Care-trained staff met the ship on arrival this morning.

“We have done everything possible to respect and protect the privacy of the family.”

“Counselling by a professional Counsellor who was also on hand today has been offered to guests and crew wanting access to this support.”

“With Pacific Dawn’s arrival, we will be able to give police CCTV footage providing an unobstructed view of what happened and portraying an obviously devoted and loving couple.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and hope that they will find comfort in their grief,” P&O’s statement said.

Graham said a report would be compiled and provided to the coroner’s office and the coroner will make a determination after reviewing and assessing the information.

If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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