A CREWMAN has died onboard a Hampshire cruise ship after becoming trapped in its hull.

Emergency services rushed to Southampton's City Cruise Terminal at 2.30pm after reports that two crewmen onboard Saga Rose had become trapped in the ship's ballast tanks.

Worried staff on the ship, which had around 600 passengers onboard, raised the alarm.

Initial reports suggested the two men may have been involved in an industrial accident.

Three members of the ship's firefighting crew were believed to be searching for the personnel at the time of the call.

Seven fire crews were deployed to the scene from St Marys, Redbridge, Eastleigh, Totton and Hightown stations.

At around 3pm one of the men was freed from the ballast area of the hull, used to stabilise the ship.

The second man was later found passed out but wearing special breathing apparatus.

One of the men was taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance.

At around 5.25pm a spokesman for Hampshire police confirmed the second crew member had died while still in the hull of the ship.

It is thought the death may have been caused by lack of oxygen and is not being treated as suspicious.

Saga Rose arrived at the terminal at around 6.30am and was due to sail again at 4pm.

It will now be kept in port overnight after an investigation was lancuhed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.