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Transocean rig at risk of running aground off Scottish island

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.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.

Comments

  1. 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.

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