A person has died after falling overboard from the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship off the Channel Islands

Emergency services said a woman died after falling overboard on a cruise ship near the Channel Islands.

The disaster struck the 18-deck MSC Virtuosa at around 2 a.m. on Saturday as it was sailing from Lisbon to Southampton.

“A police investigation has begun after the incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a French coast guard source said.

“At around 3 a.m. (French time, 2 a.m. in the UK) an alarm was received reporting that one person was missing.

“A rescue helicopter was called, but the person was pronounced dead shortly after being transferred to the helicopter.”

The ship originally sounded a “man overboard” alert while making loud noises in complete darkness.

Searchlights were then used to illuminate the sea, such as aircraft France and the Channel Islands were present at the scene.

The search area was north of Les Casquets, near the Channel Island of Alderney. the source said.

A distress signal was sent at around 2am this morning after a woman in her 20s fell overboard north of the rocks of Les Casquets, west of Alderney. Pictured: MSC Virtuosa cruise ship

A map showing the route taken by a cruise ship trying to find a missing woman

The ship originally sounded a “man overboard” alert while making loud noises in complete darkness. Pictured: Virtuos' upper deck

The search and rescue operation was conducted by a French Navy helicopter, supported by aircraft from the Channel Islands.

“Infrared cameras were used to locate a person who had difficulty surviving in the cold water,” said another French rescue service source.

Tannoy's announcements aboard the ship described a “search for a missing person” and asked for “thoughts and prayers” for her family and friends.

There was no preliminary information about the identity or nationality of the deceased.

The £650m Virtuosa, which has a crew of over 1,500 and can carry up to 6,300 passengers, remained in the area before heading to Southampton.

On Saturday afternoon, Viruousa was in Southampton, where detectives were interviewing crew and passengers.

One of the people on board told The Mirror about the startling moment when explosions were heard, which delayed the ship's journey to Southampton.

They said: “At around 2 a.m. the ship made loud noises. I thought the ship was in trouble, then the captain announced, “Man overboard, man overboard, port side.” The ship slowed and searchlights were turned out to sea, searching for him. .

“At 2:30 they announced they had a missing person and their thoughts and prayers are with the family and that they were slowing down the ship and we would delay reaching Southampton.”

On Saturday afternoon, Viruousa was in Southampton, where detectives were interviewing crew and passengers. Pictured: Dining room on a cruise ship

Searchlights were deployed at around 2am off the rocks of Les Casquets, west of Alderney, to search the sea in the hope of finding the missing person.

Searchlights were deployed at around 2am near the rocks of Les Casquets, west of Alderney, to search the sea in the hope of finding the missing person.

The ship's owner, MSC Cruises, said in a statement: “On October 12, a guest on board the MSC Virtuosa fell overboard as the ship was en route to Southampton.

“The body was later found thanks to the involvement of the authorities.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

“Out of concern for their privacy, we will not provide further details.”

Virtuosa, built in France in 2020, was scheduled to dock in Southampton at 6:15 a.m. and sail again at 8 p.m.

On board the huge 18-deck ship, passengers can enjoy a range of entertainment, including a 4D cinema, bowling lanes, a casino, an arcade and a Formula 1 simulator.

Guests can also enjoy a Broadway-style theater and a lounge featuring Carousel Productions at Sea.

MailOnline has contacted MSC Cruises for comment.