A 23-year-old British man is feared dead after falling overboard the cruise ship MSC Euribia.

Social work student Liam Jones from Dundee was on the ship for a seven-day cruise to celebrate his mum’s birthday.

The ship left Southampton on 15 March and Liam disappeared on 16 March. His wife, Sophia Mcphee, who was not on the cruise, said she was contacted by Liam’s sister to say CCTV showed he had gone overboard.

Hampshire Police boarded the ship on its return to Southampton on Friday, 22 March.

A spokesman from MSC Cruises said: “A passenger on board MSC Euribia went overboard on March 16 as the ship was sailing to Hamburg. This was reported to the authorities.

“The police in Southampton boarded the vessel on 22 March and investigated on behalf of the coroner. We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will refrain from disclosing any additional information.”

Hampshire Police said in a statement: “Officers boarded the vessel on Friday 22 March following a report that a man had gone overboard. The man’s family are aware and police are investigating this on behalf of the coroner.”