The Pacific Explorer ship was off the coast of Cape Jaffa in the state’s south-east when the crew discovered a female guest had fallen overboard just before midnight yesterday.
Cruise company Carnival Australia has this morning confirmed the 23-year-old had been found deceased.
The find comes after an overnight search operation about 70km off the coast, which involved police, boats and multiple aircrafts.
The woman had been travelling with a family member on the ship, which left Melbourne yesterday for a four-night-trip to Kangaroo Island and back.
A Carnival Australia spokesperson has said they are working to support the woman’s family member.
“We continue to provide care and assistance to the family member this guest was travelling with and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones,” they said,
“As you can appreciate this has also deeply impacted our remaining guests and crew. We thank all involved who supported this distressing and challenging search operation.
“Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required.”
The cruise will not continue on to Kangaroo Island.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
