A 51-year old cook on a Filippino tanker was flown to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday morning after he fell ill while the ship was 26 nautical miles east off Grand Harbour.

Crescenciano Elaba, who was suffering from severe chest pain, was airlifted from the UK-registered Ondina by an AFM Air Wing Alouette helicopter, the AFM said.

The call for assistance was received by the AFM's Rescue and Co-ordination Centre at Luqa Barracks from the ship's local agent.

The Ondina was instructed to approach Malta and Mr Elaba was lifted aboard the helicopter some 19 nautical miles off Delimara Point. The vessel continued on its way to France.