Rig grounded in Scotland amid severe weather

A DRILLING rig has run aground on the Scottish coast after breaking free of its tug boat during severe weather.

Images uploaded on social media show the 42 m tall Transocean Winner rig looming over the beach at Dalmore on the Isle of Lewis. There is no risk to life and no personnel were on the semi-submersible rig when control of it was lost early this morning, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has reported. There is 280 t of diesel on board but no reports of any loss of containment. The MCA says its counter-pollution branch is monitoring the situation.

The rig was being towed from Norway to Malta when it encountered severe weather west of the Isle of Lewis. The tug remained connected to the rig overnight but was unable to make any headway, the MCA reports. At 04:20, the master of the tug boat reported that the tow line had parted from the rig and due to the weather conditions was unable to reconnect.

Transocean has established an emergency response and Dutch company SMIT Salvage has been mobilised to deal with the incident.

“Following the grounding of the semi-submersible drilling rig…the secretary of state’s representative (SOSREP) for maritime salvage and intervention, Hugh Shaw is now in discussions with the owners Transocean and the salvors,” the MCA said in a statement posted online.

Police Scotland and Coastguard Rescue teams are also on the scene.