CASTINE – Preliminary test results show that Capt. Laurence Wade suffered a stroke Sunday while Maine Maritime Academy’s training ship State of Maine was en route to Odessa, Ukraine, according to information posted on the MMA Web site Thursday. His medical situation made it necessary for him to leave the training cruise in the hands of the chief mate.

Wade’s family released the updated information on the captain’s health crisis through MMA.

“He is continuing to be evaluated and as of Thursday, May 31, his condition remained classified as stable,” the MMA Web site said. “There is no evidence that he is experiencing any pain. The medical staff is reportedly very congenial and has worked diligently to bridge the language differences. The family is currently working to make arrangements to transport Larry home in the near future.”

Through the academy, Wade’s family conveyed its thanks to “the many friends and colleagues who have expressed concern and caring for Larry’s health.”

Wade, a 1964 MMA graduate, became ill Sunday while serving as master of the State of Maine, which was on its annual training cruise. On the advice of the ship’s on board physician, Dr. Andy Iverson, the ship was diverted to Syracuse, Sicily, where it was met by an Italian medical team, according to the MMA site.

Iverson accompanied Wade to the hospital and remained with him until family members could arrive.

The training ship, with 200 students and 55 staff and crew on board, remained at anchor off Syracuse until Wade’s wife, Deanna, and other family members arrived in the port Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Web site, Iverson met the family at the airport and briefed them on Wade’s condition on the way to the hospital.

The training ship, with Chief Mate Brendon McAvoy in command, set sail once it was confirmed that the Wade family had arrived safely at the hospital. The port stay in Odessa was canceled, and ship’s officers made arrangements to sail to Palermo on the west coast of Sicily. The ship arrived there Thursday morning, according to the ship’s log, which also is posted on the Web site.

Iverson will remain with the family for a few days and is expected to travel overland and rejoin the training ship before it leaves Palermo.

Because of the overwhelming public support of Wade and his family, Maine Maritime Academy, at the discretion of the family, will continue to provide periodic online updates regarding his condition and location. Information is available at the Academy’s online bulletin board: www.mma.edu and on the Web site of the Maine Maritime Academy Alumni Association: mainemaritimealumni.org.