set to resurface.

It could join forces with the Bermuda Police Marine Search and Rescue Association, recently launched by boating enthusiasts William Frith and Edgar Humann.

Yesterday former Institute president Michael Winfield said he would be contacting the two men.

"We are certainly thinking of making the Institute active again.'' Mr. Winfield, a former Government Senator and Minister, believed there was a need for Bermuda to have an aerial search and rescue capability.

And he thought a role could be found for the Island's one helicopter -- run by Michael Smatt.

Fifty-eight-year-old Mr. Humann, a retired Wall Street financier, yesterday welcomed a link-up.

"We would be delighted to have the benefit of the Institute's experience and input,'' he said.

The Institute -- funded by public donations and run by volunteers -- was formed in the 1970s, carrying out some 200 missions in Bermuda's waters and saving countless lives.

It had a 29-foot purpose built rescue boat bought with an $80,000 donation and a 16-foot surf jet vessel.

But the Institute disbanded after the search and rescue capabilities of the Marine Police and Marine and Ports Department were boosted. At the time, it said it had outlived its usefulness.

Mr. Winfield, managing director of Cambridge Beaches, said the larger boat was sold and used as a commercial diving platform. The smaller one was given to the Bermuda Sea Cadets.

At full strength between 1977 and 1984, the Institute had as many as 600 supporters with four active rescue crews of six members each.

The Bermuda Police Marine Search and Rescue Association charity is chaired by Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, one of four trustees.

The other trustees are: Mr. Frith, Honorary French Consul and president of Frith's Liquors Ltd; Mr. Humann, a Frenchman and director of the charity-fundraiser Christian Humann Foundation; and Chief Inspector Phil Every.

It has set itself an initial $160,000 target. So far more than $65,000 has been raised.

The money is being used to allow the Police Service's new drug weapon, Blue Heron , to double up for search and rescue and provide a 24-hour service with members of the marine section acting as "lifeboat crew''.

Chief Insp. Every said search and rescue equipment, including radar, had been bought.

Some $80,000 to $140,000 would also be needed to replace one of the Marine Police Section's rubber boats or "rigged-hull inflatables''.

Chief Insp. Every said future funds could also be pumped into training.

"If this takes off we could have the equivalent of something like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Britain,'' he said.

He added the charity would be an ongoing effort to buy and maintain equipment.

Chief Insp. Every said the Blue Heron had already taken part in a number of searches, although no rescue of note.

"I suppose the biggest thing it has been involved in was the Xing Da incident,'' he said.

Mr. Humann, of Harbour Road, Paget, told The Royal Gazette how the idea of the charity came about two years ago during a fishing trip with Mr. Coxall.

They spotted a buoy with antennae sticking out of it.

At first they believed they had stumbled across some drugs, but it turned out to be a buoy for the Bermuda Biological Station.

"Anyway, it got us into a conversation about the drugs problem in Bermuda,'' said Mr. Humann. "Since the United States Naval Base closed, Bermuda has had little or no resources to patrol the waters.'' Mr. Humann said Mr. Coxall disclosed he knew someone from the Drug Enforcement Agency in America who might be able to provide a boat.

"I said I would raise money to outfit the boat.'' Mr. Humann said Marine and Search was a joint enterprise between the Police and the private sector. It was approved as a charity two months ago.

"I intend to get an intensive letter-writing campaign under way to get donations,'' he said. "We would be willing to provide a bronze plaque saying so much money was donated by someone.'' Mr. Humann added: "So far we've received some large donations from American residents on the Island.

"The Bank of Bermuda has also been generous, giving us $10,000.'' `If this takes off we could have the equivalent of something like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Britain.' -- Chief Insp. Phil Every