village yesterday -- as politicians back in Bermuda voiced sympathy for the family.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge sent letters of regret to the parents, and Miss Herkommer's sister, Christine, who is working on the Island.

Overseas tourism officials also went on full alert to limit damage to Bermuda's tourism image -- crucial to its economic health.

The moves came as news of the horrific Maritime Museum killing rocked the small southern German village of Rechberg, near Schwabisch Gmund, where the victim's parents live.

Many of the 1,500 villagers were said to be in a state of shock and disbelief.

The Stuttgart edition of the big-selling national German newspaper, Bild Zeitung yesterday carried an 18-line report.

It told how an Easter holiday in paradise had turned to tragedy for the dark-haired 27-year-old, who had been teaching at a Swiss school.

"From paradise in the Atlantic the teacher will be returning to her Schwabisch province in a zinc coffin,'' the report stated.

The paper spoke to a pub owner in Rechberg, where the bespectacled Miss Herkommer once worked part-time as a waitress.

"Everybody liked her because of her friendliness,'' the owner was quoted. The report also carried "rumours'' Miss Herkommer had been sexually attacked before being strangled.

Meanwhile, forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Sheppard, of Guys Hospital in London, arrived on the Island yesterday afternoon to examine the body.

Last night Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Browne said she was unable to comment on the autopsy.

Police yesterday also continued quizzing the Casemates day-release prisoner over the tourist's death.

The man, a convicted rapist serving a 10-year jail term, had been working unsupervised on a project at the museum around the time of the killing last Thursday.

It was only after he returned to his prison cell that Police began interrogating him.

The Royal Gazette understands the body was discovered in one of the underground tunnels in the museum grounds.

Yesterday Mr. Woolridge said he had had a brief telephone conversation with Miss Christine Herkommer at the Crisson jewellery store in Queen Street, Hamilton.

"She was very quiet, very soft-spoken. I did not wish to prolong the conversation.

"I expressed deepest sympathies for her and said people were saddened and shared her grief. She thanked me.'' Mr. Woolridge said he hoped the incident would be seen as an "isolated'' one, and not have an impact on tourism.

Damage limitation measures had been taken overseas, however, he added.

Tourism Department director Mr. Gary Phillips said overseas officials were on the alert for stories on the murder.

"We are particularly sensitive to anything like this because we do promote Bermuda as a friendly place.'' He added: "The whole of Bermuda is a playground for our visitors. Anything that threatens that perception is of serious concern to us.

"It doesn't necessarily have to be a tourist. We're concerned no matter what.'' Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said yesterday: "This is a tragedy. It affects us all. I am sure I can join the rest of Bermuda in saying how deeply sorrowful I am about what's happened.'' Mr. Edness said his comments were restricted because of the ongoing Police inquiry.

The Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said: "I would like to express my own sympathy to the family.'' Although Ministers declined to comment, it is understood the tragedy was discussed at yesterday morning's Cabinet meeting.

Shadow Tourism Minister Mr. David Allen yesterday called for low profile security guards to be posted within the Maritime Museum grounds in the wake of the murder.

"Government should, if necessary, be prepared to assist in the provision of such security guards in the area,'' he added.

"Other steps and reviews of certain practices may also be required once any case that follows the laying of charges has been completed.''