Emergency services carried out a major simulated air crash exercise near the airport yesterday.

The scenario involved a private plane that overshot the runway, smashed through a perimeter fence and crashed in Annie’s Bay, near Clearwater Beach in St George’s.

The ‘disaster’ sparked a major search and rescue operation.

Renee Ming, the national security minister, who watched the emergency services in action, said international airport regulators required regular disaster exercises to be carried out every three years.

Ms Ming added: “I’m always pleased to see the members of our uniformed services working hard to ensure that Bermuda is kept safe.

“This training exercise ensures that there’s a robust and co-ordinated response in the event of a serious aircraft incident.”

Police, firefighters, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the RBR Coastguard, staff from airport operators Skyport, as well as several government departments, were involved in the exercise.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation team was also involved.

Ms Ming said “The professionalism demonstrated by the RBR, BPS, BF&RS and the DRRM team is a testament that Bermuda is ready and prepared.”