SYDNEY, May 6, 2024 (BSS/AFP/MSY/AFP) - Australian police said Monday they had recovered a body after a man fell into the water off Sydney from the 2,600-passenger P&O cruise ship Pacific Adventure.

Marine police retrieved the body of a man mid-morning, about 6.5 hours after the man overboard alarm was raised 10 nautical miles off Sydney Heads, police said in a statement.

"Police will launch an investigation into the circumstances of the incident," they said, without giving further details.

P&O Cruises said it had been a "distressing day" for guests and crew on the cruise, which was an Elvis-themed outing.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time," it said in a statement.

The Pacific Adventure was expected to leave later Monday on a four-night voyage to Queensland.