MARINE & Ports director designate Francis Richardson has hit back at claims his department "botched" rescue attempts to salvage the former tourist guide boat Bermuda Belle.

"It's unfortunate," he said, "But these things happen."

"We made a decision to do what was in the best interests of the country at the time under some very difficult circumstances.

"Whenever situations arise we always do our best to resolve them. We have policies in place with regards to wreck removals but during (Hurricane) Fabian the circumstances were somewhat different from normal."

Bermuda Belle, now deemed a "navigational hazard" to small boat operators, capsized during the salvage process and remains in its present watery grave near Convict Bay.

The boat, which was undergoing resoration work at Meyer's Wharf, broke free of its moorings at the height of the September 5 hurricane and drifted onto the northern rocks at the Town Cut.

Present owner George Costas told the Mid-Ocean News last weekthat "several mistakes" occurred during the rescue effort to tow the 65-foot, steel-hulled vessel clear of the Cut's shipping artery in St. George's Harbour. However, a spokesman from Marine & Ports flatly denied those claims.

"There was absolutely no way she was able to float on her own," he told the Mid-Ocean News.

"She had to be forceably pulled away by tug, and that' s when she flipped. They tried to float her, but couldn't."

Mr.Costas, meanwhile, refused to elaborate on the matter this week.

The 44-year-old cycle mechanic purchased the boat two years ago with the hope of converting the former guide boat into a floating restaurant.

"I was a bit disappointed because it is easier for people in hindsight to make comments, but we did the best under the circumstances," said Mr.Richardson, referring to Mr. Costas' comments.

"It's still an ongoing situation and the boat does have to be moved because it's really unsafe to mariners. At low tide I think you have four feet between the boat and the surface of the water.

"And with regards to who is going to be responsible for moving the boat, it is normally the owner's responsibility. After Fabian we did what was in the best interests for the country at the time."

The Bermuda Belle, originally named the Mark Twain, was shipped to Bermuda by barge in the summer of 1974 having been built by US firm Caterpillar Tractors.

The boat, once powered by hydrolic rams (paddles), once sailed on the Hudson River.

"The Mark Twain was absolutely gorgeous inside with Victorian furniture and driven by a genuine wheel with a bow thrust and everything else," said the former owner, journalist Bryan Darby.

"But it was a financial disaster for everybody. The most exciting thing about her, however, was that it completely dumbfounded every Bermudian who ever thought he was a seaman and had lots of opinions on whether the boat was viable and safe in Bermuda waters.

"It proved to be one of the most safe and bouyant and seaworthy boats we ever had."