AN ISLE of Wight ferry cut an unusual sight in Portland Port, leaving members of the public wondering what it was doing there.

Far from lost, the Wightlink Ferry named 'Wight Sky' was in Port for an 'in water survey' which involves divers heading underneath the vessel to check the underwater parts of a ferry.

A spokesperson for Wightlink said normally the ferries have to go into 'dry dock' where vessels are floated into a narrow basin which is then drained of water leaving the ferry rests on a dry platform, which is often a costly and time-consuming process.

However, for the first time ever, Wightlink decided to do an in water survey and the spokesperson said the primary reason Portland was chosen was because of 'the clarity of the water'.

The spokesman said: "It's the first time we have done it and Portland was a good choice because it was close by and has the technology and divers."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kevin Brookes said it was great news for the local economy. 

"They discovered what we have known all along. Portland Port, the council and all the authorities work hard in maintaining the water quality. It's a very important part of what we are about in this part of Dorset.

"The water makes a nice place to swim and bathe and it's good for the business side of this also. I hope this type of work continues," he said. 

Last year, Weymouth was awarded a prestigious Blue Flag excellence award for the first time in 15 years. 

The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development in marine areas by challenging local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. 

The Blue Flag has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors. 

Leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and briefholder for finance and assets Cllr Jeff Cant said: "We already know our beach is the best and now the vote of confidence from Wightlink in choosing Portland for essential underwater maintenance of its vessels due to the purity of its waters gives even greater impetus to the determination of the Council, the vibrant business sector and the many diverse and vibrant parts of our community to transform our Borough into a must see UK destination.

"The Borough is entering a period of unparalleled and exciting change. Most recently we have backed the Jurassica/Memo project which will help to transform the economy of Portland and its place as a visitor destination."

Wightlink said they did not know how long the ferry would remain at Portland as they had not yet completed the survey.