A flight from Puerto Rico to New York was diverted to Bermuda yesterday due to a passenger who was thought to be drunk — but on arrival the man was dealt with by medics rather than Police.

The 49-year-old was believed to be intoxicated and had to be restrained on board the American Airlines flight, according to the manager of L.F. Wade International Airport.

But by the time the plane touched down here just before 4.15 p.m, the man, from New York, was ill and had to be treated by ambulance crew before being taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The Royal Gazette understands that though Police met the plane, the man was not arrested and is unlikely to be questioned by officers.

Airport manager Aaron Adderley told this newspaper: "At 3.20 p.m. airport officials were notified of a diversion by American Airlines flight 648 en route from San Juan to New York's JFK due to an unruly male passenger believed to have been intoxicated.

"The passenger, an American citizen travelling with a female passenger, was restrained on board, until the aircraft arrived at the L.F. Wade International Airport at 4.14 p.m. where it was met by Bermuda customs, immigration and law officials. Both passengers were taken off the aircraft and transported to KEMH."

A Police spokesman said there was an "apparent medical emergency" on board the flight and a 49-year-old male passenger was taken to KEMH with a 54-year-old female companion. His condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

A KEMH spokeswoman said the man was being treated in the emergency room last night but she did not know if he would be admitted. No one from American Airlines could be contacted for comment.

After the plane landed in Bermuda, a female passenger in her late sixties complained of a medical condition that was causing her physical discomfort.

"The passenger, along with her husband who was travelling with her, were also transported to KEMH via ambulance," said Mr. Adderley. "The aircraft eventually departed at 5.35 p.m. for JFK."