gas-powered water pump yesterday.

And a Police officer who tried to help them was also affected by the carbon monoxide gas being emitted from the portable pump's exhaust.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued the men who were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The incident occurred at 2.36 p.m. and two appliances, a rescue tender and 11 personnel responded to the call at Panorama Drive.

Bermuda Fire Services' Lt. Jon Thompson said the men were cleaning the tank with the pump and were overcome by the noxious fumes. The Police officer entered the confined space and was hit by the same poisonous gas.

Lt. Thompson passed on this advice after the incident: "People should not operate gas powered machinery in confined spaces as the exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which is a deadly gas.

"The public are further advised to not attempt to rescue anyone overcome by exhaust fumes in a confined space as they may find themselves overcome also.

"Rescue attempts should only be made by those properly trained and equipped to deal with the problem.''