47-year-old Brisbane mother was with her husband before she was lost overboard on Thursday

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The death of a woman who fell overboard from the Pacific Dawn cruise ship was not accidental but the tragic end to what should have been a memorable family holiday, police say.



The 47-year-old Brisbane mother had been at dinner with her husband before she was lost overboard around 150 nautical miles west of New Caledonia on Thursday afternoon.



As passengers disembarked at Brisbane on Sunday morning, police Inspector Rob Graham confirmed the nature of the tragedy.



Search called off for woman who fell off P&O cruise ship Read more

“This wasn’t an accident,” he said. “Let’s be open and honest about mental health.”

She had been aboard with her husband, two daughters and a son.



“It’s a tragic end to what should’ve been a lifetime holiday experience for a loving family,” he said. “Her husband was standing right next to her when she went over.”

Earlier reports she had been sick or fell due to a freak wave were incorrect, he said.



After the woman fell her husband immediately raised the alarm and the ship turned around as a search began. “We’re just lucky that there’s not two people missing,” Inspector Graham said.

But by Friday morning the search was called off following advice from marine rescue experts. Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

The cruise operator, Carnival Australia, said it was cooperating fully with the police investigation. “We will be able to give police CCTV footage providing an unobstructed view of what happened and portraying an obviously devoted and loving couple,” Carnival said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and hope that they will find comfort in their grief. Counselling is available for passengers.”

• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org







