In extremely windy conditions last night the semi-submersible drilling rig Transocean Winner detached from the tug Alp Forward and now risks running aground off the Scottish island of Lewis.
There are no personnel onboard the rig and there is no risk to life, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
A spokesman said: “At 4.20am the master of Alp Forward reported that the tow line had parted and, due to the severe weather conditions, was unable to reconnect the tow line and the rig is at risk of grounding on the west side of the Isle of Lewis near Carloway. The tug Alp Forward remains on scene to visually monitor the rig.”
Winds of more than 70 mph were reported in the area. The stormy conditions are set to continue throughout Monday making any towage attempt impossible until tomorrow.
Looking at Photos that friends have posted, I think it’s grounded. 🙁
Yup — it has — update coming shortly!
The rig was being transported from Norway to Malta when the tow line broke and it was pushed aground off the Isle of Lewis, a spokesman for Transocean Ltd.