Government MP Mrs. Grace Bell and the Bermuda Housing Corporation stepped in to help Mr. Robert Powell and his fiance, Kathleen.

Last night Mrs. Bell, MP for St. George's South, said the corporation was trying to find the couple a home. "They have been interviewed,'' she said.

But she did not know whether the couple would be offered a new home by last night.

In the meantime the couple have been staying with relatives and friends.

Mrs. Bell added the Salvation Army had also rallied around the pair who lost most of their belongings. She said the Army had helped in the salvage operation.

The couple's nightmare began in the early hours of Tuesday. Construction worker Mr. Powell, 39, said he was making a cup of coffee when the boat started to list because of the rain. He added the water seeped through the seams of the 40-feet boat.

The boat, in Great Bay off Ballast Point Road, had been the couple's home for about four years. Furniture, including a couch, and a television, video cassette recorder and other electronic gear were ruined.

Firemen were alerted, but unable to prevent the boat sinking. Mr. Powell reckoned the boat -- uninsured -- was probably worth about $15,000. The couple are planning to get a crane to refloat the vessel.

SUNKEN DREAMS -- Mr. Robert Powell in his house boat which went under the water on Tuesday morning. He is still trying to refloat it.