A bulk carrier has diverted to the Island despite heavy seas to get assistance for a crew member suffering suspected appendicitis.

The Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre was first contacted by the M/V Apollon last Wednesday when the ship was still more than 1,000 nautical miles east-southeast of the island.

Since then, the vessel has struggled through heavy seas, although conditions have improved today.

A spokesman for the Maritime Operations Centre said: “The crew member, a 26-year-old Filipino national, is reported to be in a stable condition following medical advice from shore and is being constantly monitored by crew on board.

“M/V Apollon is due to arrive off the East End at 10.30pm today when the patient will be taken ashore by Marine and Ports pilot boat St George’s. Once the transfer is complete it is anticipated that M/V Apollon will resume its original voyage from Gibraltar to New Orleans.”