The organisers of a controversial raft-up that involved US high fashion firm Revolve and guest influencers today claimed the Government and tourism authorities were aware of the event.

A statement from Victoria Greening, a lawyer, issued on behalf of Dasfete, said the raft-up was “not for recreational purposes, but rather a staged commercial event under the auspices, permission and knowledge of the Bermuda Tourism Authority and other relevant Government departments with the view to promoting and marketing Bermuda”.

Dasfete insisted: “All Covid-19 protocol requirements were met.

“We have now also met and co-operated with the authorities.”

The news came after a row erupted in the wake of video footage of the event, held last Tuesday, was posted on social media.

Raft-ups are banned under Covid-19 restrictions and the incident is now being investigated by police.

The boat trip was organised for Revolve, a US online fashion retailer that brought about 70 models and influencers to the island earlier this month as part of a marketing drive.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority said last week that it assisted with organisers’ administrative filings, including group exemption applications for photo-shoots and “on-site destination support for influencers’ social media activities”.

But the BTA insisted the applications did not include permission for a raft-up.

Renee Ming, the Ministry of National Security, said a police investigation into the event was under way.

David Burt, the Premier, tweeted on June 9 that images of what appeared to be an illegal event, which included a live performance by reggae star Shaggy, breached pandemic restrictions.

Rosewood Bermuda, where the Revolve group of about 70 people stayed, yesterday said it had nothing to do with the event.

A spokeswoman for the hotel said it had “been made aware of an incident involving Revolve Group during an off-property outing in Bermuda”.

She added: “The incident did not occur at Rosewood Bermuda nor did the resort have any involvement in the events that the group participated in outside of the property.”

The spokeswoman said the hotel was granted a large group exemption from Renee Ming, the national security minister, to accommodate the Revolve Group from June 5 to June 11.

She added: “Rosewood Bermuda is adhering to all Covid-19 health guidelines and is continuing to follow all regulations set forth by Bermuda’s Ministry of National Security.”

Revolve has not responded to questions about the raft-up.

But it posted a statement on its Instagram account that all measures were taken to ensure a safe trip.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority said last week that it assisted with organisers’ administrative filings, including group exemption applications for photo-shoots and “on-site destination support for influencers’ social media activities”.

But it added that the applications did not include permission for a raft-up.

Ms Ming said she had asked for a police investigation into the incident.

She added a large group gathering exemption was granted to the organisers of the event, but rules were in force that attendees had to follow.

David Burt, the Premier, tweeted on June 9 that images of what appeared to be an illegal event, which included a live performance by reggae star Shaggy, were not in line with pandemic restrictions.

Raft-ups are banned under Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Burt said that he had asked Ms Ming to liaise with police.

An exemption was granted to Selange Gitschner, the founder and creative director of island event organiser Dasfete, for a “Yacht Day” on June 8.

The approval was for people who were vaccinated or had a recent clear coronavirus test in line with the Government’s SafeKey programme.

But the approval notice said the event was scheduled to be held at the Unfinished Church in St George’s.