while training on the Pistol Range at the US Naval Air Station.

The seriously wounded marine, Mr. John Lane, was flown by air ambulance yesterday morning to a military hospital in the United States.

NAS public affairs officer Ensign Marie McGahan said on Friday she could not give any further details about the accident because of Base policy.

But The Royal Gazette understands it occurred while the marine was putting the 45-calibre pistol he was using back in its holster.

He fired a bullet into his lower belly, which missed his private parts, a source said.

Ens. McGahan said the incident happened at about 4 p.m. and is still being investigated. A Bermuda Police spokesman said local officers are not involved in the investigation.

The marine was taken by Base ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for surgery.

He remained in the Intensive Care Unit in stable condition over the weekend, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was flown out by military plane at 11.45 a.m.

yesterday.

Base commander Capt. James Arnold said: "There will be a very serious investigation into the incident.''