A 79-year-old sailor who reported being unable to sleep or gain access to the cabin area of his sloop because of a possible rat infestation was taken to hospital after arriving in Bermuda.

The “dehydrated and somewhat delirious” sailor was met by a police escort and quarantined in Convict Bay, where Department of Health officials checked the ship but found no signs of rats.

According to a spokesman for the Department of Marine and Ports Services, the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre was contacted by Solent Coastguard on April 10 to report an incident on the Lady Lesley.

“The 47ft sloop with a 79-year-old lone sailor on board, located approximately 250 miles south [of] Bermuda, reported a possible infestation of rats on board, preventing him from gaining sleep or access to the cabin area.

“A conference call between RCC Bermuda, MRCC Falmouth and the sailing vessel revealed that the sailor had adequate food and fuel to make it to Bermuda but concerns were expressed about his wellbeing given the unique situation on board.”

The vessel was put on a communications schedule with search and rescue authorities, giving continuous updates on his wellbeing and distance from Bermuda.

“On April 11, motor vessel Pietro Benedetti established VHF Radio communications with Lady Lesley, who reports that all is well on board despite vermin, as he continues towards Bermuda.

“The Bermuda Department of Health was briefed on impending arrival and measures [were] implemented to prevent vessel contamination ashore, prior to inspection by local health authorities.

“Over the next few days sailing vessel Lady Lesley continues to close in on Bermuda, eventually arriving under police escort and taken to quarantine in Convict Bay.”

Because of possible dehydration and underlying cardiac issues, the sailor was met by an emergency medical technician.

Department of Health officials, assisted by Bermuda Pest Control, boarded the vessel for further inspection.

“No sign of rats was detected on board, however, traps were laid as a precautionary measure,” the spokesman added.

“The dehydrated and somewhat delirious sailor was initially examined by EMTs at Ordnance Island and subsequently taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further assessment.”