and stepped in to help secure a 17th-Century shipwreck under threat from an approaching Hurricane Lili.

The divers, supervising a group of cadets on the Island who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards, reacted to a plea to help secure the exposed timbers of the wreck dating back to 1658.

The wreck had been uncovered by marine archeologists from East Carolina University, working under licence held by Dr. Edward Harris, director of the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

Lying in relatively shallow waters at an undisclosed location, museum staff felt the wreck was in danger from the fast-approaching storm.

They placed a call to the Bermuda Regiment's Warwick Camp, where the UK group is being housed, and the divers quickly signed on to the task.

The team of eight divers worked for over three hours to cover the timbers with stone and ballast. Project director John Morris II said he was "totally delighted'' with the team's efforts.

"It took so long to uncover the wreck I just can't believe it could be covered in such a short space of time. None of the group had any previous experience, but they were all complete naturals and it was a fabulous display of teamwork,'' he said.