plunge'' has generated a great deal of interest in Bermuda and America.

Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen, managing director of the Pink Beach Club had advertised in a Connecticut paper in an effort to sell the Island as a place to wed -- on the beach or underwater.

The advertisement said Pink Beach Club would organise weddings under a moongate and on its beach, as well as more traditional church ceremonies. The hotel would also organise weddings in a submarine off the Island for people wishing to break from tradition.

Mr. Cowen had said noted 14,000 newsletters were mailed out to former guests and travel agents.

The delighted hotelier yesterday reported that Pink Beach Club's Darien, Connecticut offices had received "numerous'' calls as a direct result of the advertisement.

"One agent in Boston requested 500 more newsletters so she could include them in mailings to top insurance companies and other customers,'' he said.

And locally, Mr. Cowen received a call from a boat-rental company saying it had a 55-footer geared for weddings and other parties should there be enquiries.

A Front Street store called to say they had tuxedos and wedding gowns for rent.

A church minister stopped by the hotel to offer his services.

And Archie Brown and Son called to see if the hotel was interested in an extra large wooden moongate they were getting rid of.

"This morning a large truck will be on Reid Street to pick up their generous gift,'' Mr. Cowen said.