security operation to fly Chinese migrants off Bermuda, according to a Government Minister.

Last night Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said the final cost of Bermuda's involvement was still being totted up, but should be known soon.

However it involved deploying soldiers from the Regiment, Police officers on land and sea, two Government ferries, a Government tug and a host of back-up staff.

In addition, the US deployed Marshalls, Marines and two Coast Guard cutters throughout the operation.

Mr. Edness said: "We do not know the cost of our part of the operation yet, it is being compiled now.

"However, as I understand it, the US Government has agreed to pay Bermuda's part.'' The Chinese ship Xing Da was captured almost two weeks ago by US Marines and Coast Guard officials as part of an undercover operation to crack an American ring smuggling humans.

Last week the ship, with 83 migrants and 26 crew, was towed into Bermuda's waters and people on board were ferried under armed guard to the airport where they were flown to the US base in Cuba.