The Queen Mary 2 was forced to turn away from Southampton on its way back from New York City after a passenger was taken ill.

Having departed New York City on Friday, October 25, five hours behind schedule due to a technical issue, the cruise liner was soon forced to turn back towards North America in the early hours of Saturday morning after a passenger was reported unwell.

The ship made its way back from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to within range of St. John’s, Newfoundland, before a helicopter could get within range to escort the passenger to the mainland and seek medical treatment.

Sean Whelan, 59, had been in New York on business before travelling back onboard the Queen Mary 2 to Southampton where he runs his own pest control business.

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Speaking to the Echo, the pest control expert said: “It was obviously serious for the ship to turn around when it must have been a couple of hundred miles away from Newfoundland.

“I don’t know what the nature of the medical incident was but as far as I know the passenger was safely airlifted to the mainland where they could get the care they needed.

The Queen Mary 2 in New York City before departing for Southampton (Image: Supplied) “We’d already been delayed leaving New York due to a technical fault but nobody complained, and I think everyone understood the nature of the situation.”

Sean also made sure to praise the work of the ship’s captain and staff, in what was very difficult circumstances.

He added: “I think the way the captain and crew made everyone feel calm was amazing.

“We arrived in Southampton at 10.30am on Friday, November 1, a few hours later than planned but I think the crew need congratulating for their work and quick response to the situation.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Cunard said: “Cunard confirms that Queen Mary 2 (Voyage M434) experienced a brief delay on her journey due to a successful medical evacuation, ensuring the care of a guest who required immediate assistance.

“As a result, Queen Mary 2 arrived later than scheduled into Southampton, and the departure of Voyage M435 to the Norwegian Fjords will also be slightly delayed.”