Family of lost woman thanks authorities The family of a woman lost at sea after falling overboard from a cruise ship off the NSW Coast has thanked authorities for their efforts searching for her. CCTV captured Paul Rossington and his partner Kristen Schroder falling overboard into the Tasman Sea about 8.50pm (AEST) on Wednesday from a deck on the Carnival Spirit cruise ship. It is believed Mr Rossington, a paramedic, was trying to save Ms Schroder when they plunged from the side of the ship. Police called off the search for the pair about 5pm (AEST) on Friday after helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, police boats and a navy ship searched 500 square nautical miles off the coast of Forster. Ms Shroder's family thanked emergency services late Friday night for their efforts since the 27-year-old went overboard. The family ""wishes to thank everyone involved in the search for both Paul and Kristen,"" the brief statement reads. ""We would appreciate privacy and understanding while we come to terms with our beautiful girl's tragic accident."" When police informed Mr Rossington's family about ending the search they also provided the family with more information about the footage of the incident. ""Paul was trying to save her,"" a source who asked not to be identified. CCTV footage from the ship shows Ms Schroder going over a moment before Mr Rossington went in after her. In a statement, NSW Ambulance said it had activated its support network for Mr Rossington's work colleagues. Carnival Australia has defended the company's safety standards, saying rails were higher than international regulations demanded.