A freighter diverted to Bermuda after the body of its 49-year-old German captain was found hanging in his cabin.

Bermuda Harbour Radio said the Liberian-flagged motor vessel diverted close to the Island at around 8 a.m. yesterday.

The ship was en route from New Orleans, Louisiana to the port of Damietta in Egypt with a cargo of corn and soy.

Harbour Radio said it was contacted by the vessel about the dead crew member. The ship wanted to divert to Bermuda. A pilot boat and Marine Police vessel went to Five Fathom Hole in St. George?s to meet the at around 8.35 a.m.

?The body will be brought back to Ordnance Island,? a Harbour Radio spokesman said.

He added the circumstances surrounding Capt. Lutz Losansky?s death were unclear. This was a matter for Marine Police.

But Joe Simas, a spokesman for Meyer Shipping, said a new captain was flown in and rejoined the ship yesterday.

?Police conducted interviews on board. When they were satisfied they were allowed to sail at 12 p.m.?

Police said it appeared the German national was found hanging in his cabin while the vessel was off the coast of Abbaco in the Bahamas.

The ship continued its voyage with the Chief Officer in command. It was agreed to pull off to the east end of Bermuda at Five Fathom Hole.

Coroner?s Officer Philip Taylor, two Marine Police, one officer from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), a representative from HMS Customs and the ship?s agent boarded the at around 8 a.m., a Police spokesman said. ?Once onboard, an investigation commenced with exhibits seized and interviews and recorded statements were carried out with the crew. The body was then transferred to land where it was placed in the mortuary. ?

The spokesman added an autopsy would be carried out on Monday.