al-Qaeda terrorists at large in Bermuda with guns and chemical weapons.

That was the nightmare scenario dreamed up to test the Regiment and emergency services during a recent exercise.

Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters and Police were involved in the mocked-up incident, which saw Dockyard cordoned off after terrorists took over the ship Pacific Guardian.

Premier Ewart Brown and Governor Sir John Vereker headed up the response to the drama which kicked off when firearms and explosives were stolen from the ship by six terrorist suspects being transported by Interpol.

The script for the exercise — which stretched from Wednesday to Saturday and was designed to be as realistic as possible — said: "Police questioning of civilians in the area has revealed that unknown persons have been seen running through the surrounding neighbourhoods...the Governor at 1800 hours ordered the embodiment of the Bermuda Regiment and the Police and declared a state of emergency."

Soldiers at Dockyard held suspects at gunpoint, road blocks were set up, and armed Police rushed to Francis Patton school after the terrorists stormed it and took hostages. Firefighters worked to decontaminate chemical victims and the hospital put on alert to deal with the casualties.

Army and Police cadets and even the Bermuda Regiment band were drafted in to play the terrorists and their victims.

Pronouncing the exercise a success, Major Brian Gonsalves of the Bermuda Regiment told The Royal Gazette the terrorists were caught in the end and the hostages freed.

"Everyone said it was great to work together," he said, explaining that valuable information about response times was gleaned, and problem areas highlighted so they can be addressed.

Regular training events are held to test the preparedness of Bermuda's army and emergency services. The last one, in June, saw "Hurricane Hagar" hit the Island. Other scenarios have included the hijack of a plane, although it is believed that this is the first time a terrorist attack has featured.