Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian authorities charged four British Royal Navy sailors on Friday over the alleged gang rape of a woman at a military barracks in Halifax, home to Canada's Atlantic fleet.

Craig Stoner, Darren Smalley, Joshua Finbow and Simon Radford each face one count of sexual assault under Canada's criminal code.

In a statement, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service commander Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Bolduc called the accusations "disturbing."

Speaking outside court, prosecutor Scott Morrison said the men are accused of having participated in a "group sexual assault" on the civilian woman, according to broadcaster CTV.

It allegedly took place last week at a drinking party at the Shearwater military barracks in Halifax.

The local daily Chronicle Herald reported the four British servicemen were visiting Halifax to participate in an armed forces hockey tournament.

The British defense ministry said: "The Royal Navy takes allegations of this nature very seriously, however as legal proceedings continue it would be inappropriate to comment further."