A PERSON has died and four others injured after an accident on board a cruise ship.

The victim is thought to be a crew member on board the Harmony of the Seas - the world's biggest cruise liner.

The incident happened during a stop over in Marseille when the crew were reportedly taking part in a safety training exercise.

It is understood that a lifeboat became detached and fell from the fifth deck.

A spokesman for owners Royal Caribbean said: "We are sorry to share the sad news that a crew member aboard Harmony of the Seas has died of injuries suffered during a lifeboat drill conducted while docked at the port of Marseille, France. Four other crew members received medical treatment in the same incident. We are keeping our colleagues and their families in our thoughts and prayers."

The ship entered service in May when the 227,000 ton vessel visited Southampton.

The vessel has cost more than $1billion to build, making her the most expensive ship in the Royal Caribbean line's 25-strong fleet.

The ship is 361 metres long, making her more than three times as long as Big Ben is tall, and will carry 6,000 passengers.