A search is underway for a passenger feared overboard from a cruise ship outside Sydney.
P&O’s Pacific Adventure is currently undertaking a search and rescue operation in waters off Sydney Heads after a person overboard alarm was raised at 4am Monday.
The ship, carrying more than 2600 guests, was due to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am but instead has spent Monday morning searching the area.
Other nearby vessels deployed to the area by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre have joined the search.
One passenger, who wished to stay anonymous, said the atmosphere was “very tense” on board the ship.
He said passengers were told they would not be docking “until further notice” and many were concerned and “just want to get home”.
“(We’re) not getting many updates either,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“Only that a man went overboard just after 4am, the whole ship was notified.”
Another passenger said it was “very sombre” on board.
Police confirmed they were leading the search, with passengers reporting seeing multiple tug boats around the ship.
“Just after 4am today, emergency services received reports a person had gone overboard off a ship 10 nautical miles (18.5km) off Sydney Heads,” police said.
“NSW Police Marine Area Command have deployed a number of resources to search for the person and are leading the co-ordination of the water search.”
The Toll helicopter is involved in the search.
P&O Cruises Australia told 7NEWS.com.au: “The family of this guest is being cared for by our onboard team, while every effort is being made to find them.”
“Pacific Adventure’s arrival into White Bay Terminal this morning has been delayed while the search continues,” they said.
7NEWS.com.au understands the ship was hosting an Elvis-themed voyage.
The Carnival Splendour, which was due to dock on Monday morning, has stopped outside Sydney Heads while search efforts continue.