An injured sailor was brought into Bermuda this morning after being rescued 200 miles north of the Island by a passing cargo vessel.

The 63-year-old Canadian was forced to abandon his vessel, Ekaterina, after sustaining cuts and bruises to his legs as well as losing battery and engine power.

The man contacted the US Coastguard requesting medical assistance yesterday afternoon. Initially the coastguard had planned to launch its aircraft and helicopter to rescue him.

However the Liberian flagged cargo vessel CMA CGM Corneille was able to divert from its course between Charleston and Egypt to pick up the stricken sailor.

The Canadian sailor was brought into St George this morning at just before 11am and transferred to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.