more rough treatment in court and be fined.

Police are preparing a report into why Mr. Darren Hayward and Mr. Kenneth Simmons did not have flares, a radio and other safety equipment on their boat.

Such vital equipment is necessary by law in all boats in waters around Bermuda.

During the ordeal Mr. Hayward and Mr. Simmons were tossed about in six feet high waves in their 14-foot, red, open launch Jamaica Vice .

Boats and a helicopter of the US Navy, Marine Police and Harbour Radio took part in a search to find the men and they were finally spotted by a passing yacht.

Mr. Hayward, 20, and Mr. Simmons, 23, both of Club Road, close to Devil's Hole, were fishing off South Shore when they saw a storm arriving. But when they tried to start the engine it failed.

Police Community Relations Officer Sgt. Roseanda Jones said: "Whenever a boat is towed in by Marine Police a check is made to see if all the necessary safety equipment is on board.

"It was found in this case that some important equipment was missing from the boat.'' Sgt. Jones said if the two men had flares on the boat they could have signalled they were in difficulty.

She said: "A considerable amount of time and resources were used in the search for this boat. The Marine Police, Harbour Radio and the United States Navy were all involved.

"The cost of the boats and a helicopter used in the search may run into the thousands of dollars.

"A lot of time and effort could have been saved if they had been properly equipped in the first place.'' Sgt. Jones said that the US base personnel did not have to help out in emergencies but they did in this case. She said it proved how valuable the base is to Bermuda.