That incident led them to skip dinner with Ms Schroder's family, who were accompanying them on holiday. After they left the casino, CCTV recorded them "mucking around" in a corridor on their way to a lift, giving the impression they were no longer quarrelling. The couple were known to argue frequently, but only for about five minutes an episode. "It's a common occurrence between them," said another source who asked not to be identified. Around 8.50pm that night, CCTV captured the pair going overboard into the Tasman Sea, one immediately after the other, from mid-deck of the ship, off the NSW mid-north coast.

The footage shows Ms Schroder climbing over the railing and standing on the other side of it as she faced towards the sea. Police did not reveal how long she was standing there and were unable to determine if she intended to jump or simply fell. Mr Rossington was not captured in the CCTV footage when Ms Schroder went over but can be seen moments later jumping overboard. "It was in his nature to save people," the source said. Another CCTV camera captured Ms Schroder striking a lifeboat before she went into the water.

Mr Rossington was a NSW paramedic in Barraba, north of Tamworth, where he lived with Ms Schroder. It is understood the couple met in Sydney where Ms Schroder had worked as a senior property manager. The couple moved to Barraba about 12 months ago for Mr Rossington's job. His family is preparing to travel to Barraba with a moving van to pack up the couple's belongings from their home, AAP understands. Police called off the search for the pair late on Friday afternoon after helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, police boats and a navy ship had searched 500 square nautical miles off the coast of Forster.

In a brief statement, Ms Schroder's family thanked emergency services for their efforts to find the couple. Mr Rossington's family also expressed their thanks. "We wish to pass on our extreme gratitude to every person who has worked so hard to help find Paul and Kristen, as well as to the many people who have offered so much of their support," the statement read. NSW Ambulance said it had activated its support network for Mr Rossington's work colleagues. Loading

Carnival Australia has defended the company's safety standards, saying rails on the ship are higher than international regulations require. AAP