A 79-year-old woman died after apparently falling into the sea off Darrell's Wharf, in Warwick.

Police received a call just before 1 p.m. yesterday and cordoned the area off to conduct a search. Marine Police also kept water-traffic clear of the area.

While details of what led to the incident are unclear, it appears the woman fell into the water and was discovered floating by a member of the public.

A Police spokesman said: "At approximately 12.50 p.m. Police responded to a report of an incident that took place at Darrell's Wharf. It appears a member of the public came upon a woman's lifeless body floating in the water near the dock.

"As a result first responders were called to the scene. The woman was taken from the water and taken via ambulance to King Edward Memorial VII Hospital where she was subsequently pronounced dead. Foul play is not suspected. No further information will be released until the next of kin have been notified."

Police are appealing for any witnesses or persons who may have any information to come forward.