Pacific Pearl, one of the three cruise liners operated by P&O Cruises Australia, has rescued five people from a yacht that was taking on water near the Isle of Pines, the company says on Facebook.

Authorities in Noumea have sent a vessel to pick up the people in question, while the ship itself will continue its voyage to Sydney, the company said.

P&O Cruises Australia is part of the Carnival Corp & plc group and it has its head office in Sydney.