Talk of a new water taxi shaped as a “bionic dolphin” coming to Bermuda appear to be premature or wishful thinking at the very least.

A report carried by major US news company CNN about a new bionic dolphin vehicle that can carry passengers through the water and cruise at up to 55mph, claims the Bermuda Government has expressed an interest in using the dolphin craft as a water taxi.

However, the innovative vessel is not something that has shown up on the Department of Transport’s radar as yet according to Transport permanent secretary Marc Telemaque.

He was surprised to read the report linking Bermuda to the new invention and told TheRoyal Gazette <$>he had heard nothing about it being on Government’s wish list.

Costing an estimated $350,000 each — although it is hoped a smaller two-person version might sell for $120,000 — the bionic dolphin is purported to have a range of 300 miles without needing to be refuelled and can take passengers beneath the waves as well as stand upright like a dolphin jumping out of the water to travel across the surface of the sea.

Designed by inventor Thomas (Doc) Rowe, the vehicle is powered by a 425-horsepower Corvette engine and is said to be able to withstand 200mph winds.

However Mr. Telemaque does not know where the information about Bermuda being interested in the bionic dolphin water taxi originated and said he has heard of no such interest being expressed by Government.