A cargo ship has been forced to divert into Bermuda this afternoon to disembark a dead crew member.

The 21-year-old Filipino sailor was found in a semi-conscious state on board the Golden Taurus on Sunday at around 1.30pm.

The vessel, which was 375 nautical miles south west of the island, immediately changed course for Bermuda but despite medical efforts by crew on board, the sailor died.

Golden Tauras had left the port of Myrtle Grove, New Orleans with a cargo of wheat grain, bound for Oran, Algeria, in North Africa.

The ship is expected in the East End this afternoon where there deceased crew member will be brought ashore.

Investigations by local Coroner and Marine Police are ongoing, while company representatives are due to arrive on the island later this evening.