Cruise woman's body is recovered

The woman was reported missing by her husband

The body of a cruise ship passenger has been found in the Solent.

The 67-year-old woman, who has not been named, was reported missing by her husband from the P&O Oceana early on Sunday morning.

A sea search by coastguard and lifeboat crews discovered the woman and airlifted her to hospital, where her death was confirmed.

A police investigation has begun into her death. She was last seen in her cabin at about 0545 BST.

Coastguard notified

The Oceana was returning from a short cruise between Southampton and Zeebrugge, Belgium.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises said: "We can confirm that a person was reported missing from their cabin just prior to daybreak this morning as Oceana was approaching Southampton.

"Our missing persons procedures were immediately put into action and this included notification of the Coastguard."

The woman was found between Calshott and Cowes.

The Oceana, which has a capacity of 2,272 passengers, is due to depart for a 14-night trip to the western Mediterranean on Sunday evening.