Firecrews were yesterday called to a Canadian naval vessel after a flare on board was accidentally activated sending smoke billowing above the ship.

Coastal defence vessel HMCS Glace Bay was berthed on Front Street when the accident happened.

It is understood salt water from a stormy crossing got in contact with the flare, accidentally activating it.

Onlookers gathered in the pouring rain to witness attempts to put out the flare — which is designed to run its course before they are fully extinguished.

Officer in tactical command, Commander Chris Ross said: "It burns for about 15 minutes, and once it starts there's nothing you can do to put it out."

He added: "The smoke came from a faulty smoke marker which shoots off a three inch flame — the intention is that you puncture it, it releases smoke and marks position to show the position of a man overboard."

He said he was impressed by the response from Bermuda Emergency services, adding: "They came in a matter of minutes. It was very impressive, a good response by them."

Ms. S. Bento of 'Makin' Waves', a store opposite the scene, said: "I saw white smoke outside and said it must be a fire. I went outside and it was.

"The Canadian sailors were trying to put it out then our Fire Department came. You could see the flames.

"The smoke was very thick so I thought they were using the wrong fire extinguishers. They would put the fire extinguisher on it and then it would flare up again.

"I could see that they had it contained. The smoke was clear, so somebody said it had to be a flare."

Terenay Bascome of Parfait Cosmetics and Fragrances, said: "I was so scared. I didn't know what was going on.

"I knew it was a navy ship and my fear was that something was going to explode because they could have had any kind of ammunition on board."

Ship's Captain, Lt. Commander Sid Green said: "All of our people are trained firefighters. Although this does not happen often, the standard response in a situation like this is to call the local fire department.

"Fire, ambulance and Police were here in a matter of minutes there was even the marine Police on hand and they were all more than willing to assist in anyway we needed."

It was not known what the exact cause was, but the crew thought it was the salt water taken into the ship from the rough journey over to Bermuda.

"We have checked and secured the other 60 markers and they are all stored in a container," said Lt. Commander Green, adding that a full investigation was being carried out to find the cause.

The Glace Bay, along with two other Canadian Navy ships Shawingigan and Goose Bay with a crew of about 45 members per ship, arrived in the Island from Halifax, Nova Scotia yesterday conducting a training deployment.

They plan to sail back to Halifax next week.