IT IS believed that the man airlifted from a Titanic Memorial cruise was from Swindon.

The Balmoral, which was following the route taken by the ill-fated liner 100 years ago, was forced to take a short detour after the man became unwell.

He has been named as BBC cameraman Tim Rex, 56. He was airlifted off the MS Balmoral by a rescue helicopter as a precaution.

The ship, which left Southampton on Sunday, had to head back towards the Irish coast in order for the rescue mission to be carried out.

However, it is still expected to arrive at the wreckage site of the Titanic in time for the scheduled memorial services which will take place at the weekend.

When the ship set sail on Sunday, it was carrying 1,309 passengers – the same number as paying guests who were on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Many of those on board the cruise, which is travelling to New York recreating the Titanic’s original voyage, are relatives of those who died, as well as authors and historians.

Many passengers and crew are dressed in period costumes, and they have been able to eat meals from Titanic’s original menu and attend lectures by historians and experts.