Premier Jennifer Smith expressed her shock and sympathy yesterday over Saturday's tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia.

Columbia broke up during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere - 200,000 feet above the Texas on Saturday morning - 16 minutes before it was due to land at Kennedy Space Centre, at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Ms Smith also extended her condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda to the United States for the "seven exceptional crew members who lost their lives" in the tragedy.

In a letter to US Consul General Dennis Coleman, Ms Smith said: "All of Bermuda mourns the death of these men and women who risked their lives for the progress of civilisation. Our deepest sympathy goes out to their families and loved ones.

"The significance of their contribution to science and space exploration can never be forgotten. Rest assured that our thoughts and prayers join with those being expressed around the world by those also grieving over this tragedy."

The Premier ended the letter with: "May the souls of these fallen heroes rest in peace and may the cause for which they died continue."