little media attention in her homeland.

And it appears to have gone unreported in other parts of Europe and America.

The low-key overseas response has brought sighs of relief from Bermuda's tourism officials.

It had been feared the tragedy would tarnish Bermuda's crime-free image -- a big tourism pulling factor.

Mr. Holger Hoetzel, correspondent for New York-based Springer Foreign News Service, which feeds Germany's main publications, said he was surprised by the reaction of his country's journalists.

"We all thought it would be the kind of story which would be big news in Germany,'' he said yesterday.

"It's very surprising that it hasn't been picked up in a big way, particularly with Bermuda being a tourism destination.'' The death was reported in some newspapers -- but not in detail.

Last week's appearance at Magistrates' Court of Leroy Elmer Burgess, 24, who has been charged with premeditated murder, was also reported.

Mr. Hoetzel said Germany's preoccupation with national issues following reunification could be one explanation for the lack of interest.

The Royal Gazette was phoned by a German woman, due to fly into Bermuda yesterday from New York.

"I've heard about what's happened and am not frightened at all. These kind of things happen everywhere,'' said Ms Rosemarie Puchelski, who comes from Berlin but has been working in America.

"I am coming by myself, but it does not worry me.'' Ms Puchelski said crime was a far bigger problem in her home city of Berlin and other European cities.

Tourism Department Director Mr. Gary Phillips said he was unaware of any media exposure in North America, London, and the rest of Europe.

"We have contacted overseas, and apparently there has not been any reporting.'' Overseas officials had been put on alert for stories on the killing.

American trade and travel magazines have also seemingly ignored the tragedy.

Mr. W. A. (Toppy) Cowan, managing director of Pink Beach Club, said he was unaware of any reports.

"We have been in touch with our representative in New York,'' he said.

Mr. Cowan added the Jamaican Press had also failed to pick up on the killing.

It is now two weeks since the 27-year-old dark-haired school teacher was killed in the grounds of the Maritime Museum.

She had come to Bermuda to see her sister Christine, who works at a Hamilton jewellery store. Her body has now been flown back to Germany.

The Maritime Museum was reopened last Saturday following the Police investigation.

MISS Antja Herkommer.