Authorities this evening have suspended the search for a passenger who is thought have deliberately jumped overboard from a cruise ship bound for Sydney.
Geographic Reference

Carnival Splendor, a cruise ship owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, reported a male passenger had fallen around 30km north-east of Moreton Island, Queensland last night.

A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said the family of the passenger notified the crew, who subsequently told crew onboard.

Carnival Splendor sails in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. (Wolter Peeters)

“Carnival confirmed on Saturday that Carnival Splendor was assisting authorities search for a guest who apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard as the ship was sailing from Moreton Island towards Sydney overnight,” the spokesperson said.

“A review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action.”

The spokesperson added the company would continue to assist authorities once the ship docks in Sydney tomorrow.

“Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one,” the spokesperson said.

A search and rescue effort was underway, led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), who subsequently suspended the operations at about 5.30pm today.

“Following an intensive air and sea search involving multiple assets, the missing person was not located and AMSA has now released all assets from tasking,” an AMSA spokesperson said.

Carnival Splendor sails in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific region, according to Carnival Australia’s website.

It is 952 feet (290m) long, and can hold over 3000 passengers and 1150 crew onboard.