An ill crew member was safely evacuated by helicopter from a motor tanker near the island last night.

According to a Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesman, the centre received a call from the captain of the MT Nordic Army at around 10.50pm on Saturday stating that a crew member was suffering from abdominal pain.

“Following medical advice from Radio Medical Services in Rome, the ship was diverting from its current position, 515 miles east of Bermuda, to land the patient ashore via pilot boat on Monday afternoon,” the spokesman said.

“On Sunday evening the crew member’s condition continued to deteriorate and following medical advice from Radio Medical Services in Rome and consultation with the US Coast Guard flight surgeon, it was decided to dispatch a US Coast Guard helicopter to bring the casualty ashore.

“RCC Bermuda and RCC Norfolk coordinated the launch of a US Coast Guard C-130 fixed wing aircraft and H-60 helicopter, with both aircraft landing in Bermuda around 11pm last night for fuel before travelling to the vessel.

“At 3.45am. today, the casualty was successfully airlifted by helicopter and taken to LF Wade International Airport for onward transit by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital,” the spokesman said.

“Both search and rescue aircraft remain in Bermuda pending crew rest and eventual return to the US.”