A low-flying light aircraft is to survey the island this month, it was announced yesterday.

The survey will be carried out by Britain’s Hydrographic Office as part of its Overseas Territories seabed mapping programme.

The aircraft will fly twice daily at a height of 300 metres and check water depths and land elevation as well as take high-resolution images of land and sea to map the entire seabed.

The information will be used to modernise the island’s nautical charts to ensure safe navigation of marine traffic, including ships, in harbours and around the island.

The cost of the survey will be borne by Britain.

Government departments involved include the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, the Department of Marine and Ports, and the Department of Public Lands and Buildings.