A cruise ship en route from Spain to the Bahamas made a detour to Bermuda this week after a passenger suffered medical problems.

According to an incident report, the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre was contacted by the Bermudian-registered P&O cruise ship Ventura at about 9.30am on Tuesday.

“The ship advised that an elderly male passenger required urgent medical assistance ashore, highlighting breathing difficulties being experienced by the gentleman,” the report said.

“BMOC liaised with medical staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, and a transfer was arranged to take place at first light on Wednesday in the vicinity of the sea buoy at the East End.

“Given the weather conditions experienced offshore, the Ventura proceeded into Murray's Anchorage, where the patient was transferred by the pilot/rescue boat, St David, ashore to Ordnance Island.”

The patient was taken to KEMH by ambulance, and the Ventura subsequently continued on its voyage.