Death in ship fall ‘not an accident’

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

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

As passengers disembarked at Brisbane yesterday morning, police Inspector Rob Graham declared the nature of the tragedy.

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

She had been on board with her two daughters and son, aged 12 to 16, and her husband.

“It’s a tragic end to what should’ve been a lifetime holiday experience for a loving family,” Insp Graham said.

“Her husband was standing right next to her when she went over.”

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

Her husband immediately raised the alarm and the ship turned around as a search began.

By Friday morning the search was called off following advice from the marine rescue experts.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

The cruise operator, Carnival Australia, said it was co-operating 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 has been made available for passengers and crew.