Woman found dead on cruise ship off Cairns

A woman has died on board a cruise ship docked off the coast of Cairns at the weekend.

The 79-year-old woman is believed to have passed away shortly before breakfast time on Saturday, The Courier-Mail reports.

Police were called on board the P&O Pacific Jewel and confirmed her death.

She is understood to have died of natural causes.

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A spokesperson from P&O Cruises told the newspaper there was no reported outbreak of gastroenteritis on board the ship, despite some media reports.

"The woman did sadly pass away on board our ship on Saturday,” she said.

“But there is no report of a gastro outbreak on board.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this time.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.