A man has died aboard a cargo ship brought into port, near Gravesend.

HM Coastguard were alerted to reports a crew member on vessel Celestine required medical attention while making passage up the River Thames.

A search and rescue helicopter was sent from Lydd to assist around midday on Wednesday.

It was seen circling from the Gravesend port side for around an hour.

The ship was diverted to the Port of Tilbury where ambulance crews were on hand and it is understood medics worked with the patient on the boat but despite their efforts he died.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance, rapid response vehicle and three vehicles from the hazardous area response team were called out to a medical emergency on a boat coming into Tilbury Docks just before 2pm on March 10.

"Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, the male patient sadly died.”

Martin Garside, spokesman for the Port of London Authority (PLA) in Gravesend confirmed a cargo ferry have been travelling along the Thames when it was diverted into port following a medical incident.

He said: "The man was unconscious and sadly despite the best efforts of crews passed away."

The PLA was assisted by the Port of Tilbury in responding to the incident.

A spokesman for the Port of Tilbury said: "The Port of Tilbury assisted the PLA yesterday when a medical emergency was reported onboard a vessel sailing along the Thames.

"We were sorry to hear that the person unfortunately passed away and our condolences go to their family and colleagues.”

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend