A frantic search is underway after a young woman fell overboard from a cruise ship off South Australia.

Police were alerted just before midnight, sparking a major rescue operation that will continue today.

The horror accident occurred on the same day the Pacific Explorer left Melbourne for a four-night return trip to Kangaroo Island.

A Carnival Australia spokesperson told 7NEWS aircraft have been deployed to the area to assist with the search.

“The person concerned is a young adult woman who is travelling with a family member,” the spokesperson said.

“They are being cared for by our onboard team while every effort is being made to find this guest.

“This is an incredibly distressing situation for all involved including for our remaining guests and crew.”

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