international rescue station on the Island.

And they called on Government to search for partners interested in such a scheme.

The call was immediately backed by National Liberal Party spokesman Graeme Outerbridge, who asked if Bermuda could do more "for those in peril on the sea''.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley was speaking after a major air-sea evacuation was staged here by the United States Air Force and Coast Guard following an accident on board the tanker Johann Schulte in which two men died and three were injured.

He said: "I think the expense of setting up such a station here ourselves would be prohibitive but it would also be fruitful to see if there are other partners, such as the US Coast Guard, who would want to get involved.

"We are isolated here but I think we could provide some sort of help to those who are in need.

"It makes good sense to keep the idea on the front burner and I think Government should be looking into the feasibility of having some kind of station here.'' Mr. Dunkley continued: "I know that sort of thing wouldn't happen overnight but Government leaders should be continually discussing the idea.

"It might take off and it might go nowhere but I think there is a need and that now, after instances such as these, is the best time to strike because the interest is very much alive.'' Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox did not return phone calls from The Royal Gazette last night.

But on Monday, the National Liberal Party expressed a similar opinion to that of Mr. Dunkley.

While commending the United States Air Force for their "impressive'' operation, Mr. Outerbridge added that he felt Bermuda could establish its own international rescue station for the North Atlantic "if it can gain the support of large nations in the region that have direct interest in open water rescue''.

He said a steady stream of incidents near and around Bermuda had underlined the need for an Island-based operation, which could cut down response times to stricken vessels or crew.

And he continued: "If such a facility could be established, response times to emergencies in some areas of the North Atlantic could be significantly reduced.'' Mr. Outerbridge said the Island's present resources are weakened because they are split between Police, Regiment, Marine and Ports and Fisheries.

A solution, he said, would be to focus facilities and staff into one, dedicated service.

"Perhaps it is time to start a small Bermuda navy or coast guard, and concentrate its functions to serving as many tasks as Government requires.

"When we have strengthened our Island-based resources, the next step would be to form an international coast guard training and rescue facility.'' Part of the NLP's call was echoed by former helicopter owner and operator Michael Smatt, who has long been campaigning to be able to operate a short-range service for local mariners who may get into trouble a few miles off-shore.

But Mr. Smatt added that he did not think Bermuda has a responsibility to set up an international rescue centre.

"Bermuda needs to take care of its own,'' he said. "Any kind of effective long range rescue centre would be phenomenally expensive to set up and maintain.'' But Mr. Smatt added: "I think if any such rescue centre was to be set up it would have to be done by an international body.''