American cave expert Dr. Tom Iliffe is set to arrive in Bermuda in May to carry out an in-depth study of the Island's newest major find.

Environment Minister Dennis Lister said he had hoped that the cave biologist would be able to make it to the Island in April, but his work schedule was too full.

Instead, he will fly in sometime during May and work with local experts to study the new Wilkinson Cave, which was discovered during excavation work at Wilkinson's Quarry in February.

An initial search of the cave led conservationists to label it as one of the most significant caves in Bermuda.

Mr. Lister said: "Our fellas will continue to monitor the cave and study it to whatever degree they can, but the full exploration won't take place until Dr. Iliffe comes in May.

"We were hoping to get him here in May, but his schedule wouldn't permit it. His exploration will be in great detail. He will drop 100 feet down into the cave to where the main pool is and then do a full dive as part of his study.

"He will explore every aspect of the cave, including anything that is living inside. And he will be coming to the Island alone, so will be working alongside our own local experts and conservation officers, which will be good."

Mr. Iliffe, a professor at Texas A&M University, is no stranger to Bermuda's cave formations. He has spent much time here on the Island in the past studying the formations, and giving lectures.

But what date he will arrive, and how long he will stay, is not certain yet.

Mr. Lister added: "We don't know what date he will arrive yet, and how long he will stay depends on the cave and what he finds."