FRANCE – A woman has died after she went overboard from a cruise ship near the Channel Islands, say rescue services. An alert was sent out at about 02:00 BST for a search for the woman in her 20s north of Les Casquets rocks, west of Alderney. The French search and rescue service said the casualty from the MSC Virtuosa was winched from the sea by a helicopter crew and was later pronounced dead by doctors.

One passenger told the BBC an alarm rang three times to signal a person had gone overboard. The passenger, who only wanted to be called Neil, said those on board were asked to pray for their fellow passenger. “I went up along with lots of other passengers to have a look,” he said. “About half an hour later the cruise director told us they were looking for a missing passenger so we would be delayed into Southampton.” The ship’s owner MSC Cruises said in a statement: “A guest on board MSC Virtuosa went overboard on 12 October, while the ship was sailing to Southampton.”The body was later recovered with the involvement of the authorities. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. “Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing further details.” The investigation into the death is being led by French police. (BBC)