A COUPLE from Bournemouth have survived a terrifying hurricane which passed over their new home in Bermuda.

On Friday the Echo told how Dr David Harries and wife Margarita were preparing for Hurricane Fabian by trying to secure their home on the outskirts of the island's capital Hamilton before 120mph winds arrived.

After 36 hours of failing to get hold of their family, relatives back in Dorset managed late on Saturday to speak to the couple who confirmed they were safe but their home was damaged.

Mrs Harries's brother, Simon Rowley of Burley said: "They are safe but said it's not an experience they'd want to repeat!

"Part of their roof came off and torrential rain has badly damaged the upstairs.

"They have had a big tree come down in their garden.

"I rang them and managed to speak to them as the hurricane was right on top and Margarita said there had been a huge crash but she didn't know what it was. There was no power and then the phones went.

"It was a while before we were able to speak to them again."

Hurricane Fabian was classed as a category three hurricane. The highest is five.

Previously the most serious storm to hit the island was in 1986 when Hurricane Emily struck - a category one.