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Worst hurricane in 50 years tears through Bermuda

Remnants of trees and rooftops blanketed flooded roads and hotel grounds Saturday after the most powerful hurricane to hit Bermuda in 50 years gave the British territory a solid licking.

Fabian unleashed deadly 193kph winds when it struck Bermuda on Friday afternoon. By Saturday, the dark clouds lifted and the reality of the devastation set in.

Four people remained missing and 26,000 homes were without power.

"We have experienced a considerable beating," said John Burchall, a spokesman for the Bermuda government. Damage estimates would take days.

Search crews were looking for two police officers and two civilians whose vehicles were swept from a causeway on Friday.

Divers recovered the two vehicles but no bodies. Visibility was still poor on Saturday and hampering the search.

But stories of perseverance continued pouring in while officials reported only minor injuries to at least 10 people.

Three mariners survived tornadoes and 6m swells after spending 10 hours at sea during the worst of the storm.

Jay Simmons' 13.8m boat broke its moorings at central Spanish Point at noon on Friday, but he wouldn't let the new US$200,000 boat go down without a fight.

Simmons, 44, enlisted his brother Vaughan Simmons, 46, and Brendan Robinson, 48, to save the vessel which they reached by punt, although Robinson found himself swept overboard in choppy seas.

"My life flashed before my eyes a few times," he said. "I don't think I have ever seen anything like this and I don't think I will again. We are lucky to be alive."

The boat, which drifted out to sea, sustained only minimal damage when it limped into Hamilton harbor late Friday.

Meanwhile, the vacation spot's hotels -- small and large -- suffered devastation with suites destroyed, roofs ripped off and beach-side bars and restaurants in the south reduced to rubble.

The 593-room Fairmont Southampton will be closed for the next two weeks, hotel officials said. Gusts ripped through deluxe suites and extensively damaged the roof, spa, indoor pool, windows and golf course.

About 1,000 guests were at the hotel during the hurricane. Officials were trying to find accommodations for them at other hotels.
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