Brit Missing On Cruise Ship: Body Found In Sea

Rescuers searching for a British woman who fell overboard from a cruise ship inthe Mediterranean have recovered a body.

The unnamed passenger was reported missing on the Aurora ship as it sailed from the Portuguese city Oporto to Barcelona on Friday.

The ship's crew were alerted and ordered an immediate search of the area, which failed to find the woman.

Authorities and P&O Cruises' care team are now providing assistance for her family, the cruise operator said.

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

A statement from P&O Cruises said: "Our care team is supporting the family and offering assistance."

The Aurora left Southampton for a two-week 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".