Regiment soldiers who were due to fly to the Turks and Caicos Islands this evening have had their mission delayed until tomorrow.

The first of two airlifts to the Islands was due to take off at 5.30 p.m. from the L.F. Wade International Airport. They were due to be transported by two US Coast Guard C-130 Hercules planes.

However it is understood that mechanical problems have forced the mission to be delayed.

When they go, the soldiers will help the authorities in the Turks and Caicos which was hit badly by Hurricane Ike.

The Coast Guard agreed to provide two C-130 Hercules planes to ferry 60 volunteer Regiment soldiers and their equipment, totaling 32,885 lbs, to Turks and Caicos, and then fly them back to Bermuda in about four weeks.

As well as the Regiment, the American Consulate in Bermuda processed a dozen urgent transit visas for the BELCO crew who will accompany the troops.

The American Consulate first became involved when Governor Sir Richard Gozney reached out to US Consul General Gregory Slayton for assistance in securing the services of the US Coast Guard. That request was forwarded to the Department of State in Washington, DC.

Mr. Slayton said: "The United States is pleased to do its part to facilitate Bermuda's humanitarian airlift to the Turks and Caicos. The US Coast Guard is committed to confronting the inherently dangerous maritime environment. It works closely with other nations to provide fast and effective response to distress calls, whether it be search and rescue missions in the waters around Bermuda or the provision of transportation to get humanitarian supplies to an island in desperate need. Our hopes and prayers are with the people suffering in the Turks and Caicos."