A woman in her twenties has died after going overboard from a cruise ship off the Channel Islands.

The French coastguard said it received a distress message shortly after midnight on Saturday.

The Channel Islands Air Search plan was called out to assist the French Coastguard. 

A French navy helicopter, and the Alderney RNLI lifeboat were also involved in the rescue mission.

A French coastguard spokesman said its helicopter found the woman and hoisted her from the water, but a medical team later pronounced her dead.

The Channel Islands Air Search said in a social media post that the MSC Virtuosa was north of Les Casquets - northwest of Alderney - at the time.

The Lion' Pride was stood down after the woman was lifted from the water.

The Virtuosa cruise ship is currently berthed at Southampton docks following the incident.

In a statement, MSC Cruises said: “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.”