Storm blows massive oil rig onto Scottish coast

  • 09/08/2016
(Christopher Foote / Twitter)
(Christopher Foote / Twitter)

A 17,000 tonne drilling rig carrying 280 metric tonnes of diesel has run aground after heavy storms blew it towards Scotland's coastline.

The semi-submersible rig was detached from its tug during a towing operation when it was hit by severe wind early on Monday morning (local time) near the isle of Lewis.

There were no people on board the 'Transocean Winner' rig and no risk to life, Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said on its website.

The MCA says it is monitoring for any pollution from the incident. Scotland police and coastguard rescue workers remained at the scene on the west side of Isle of Lewis, near Carloway.

Video courtesy of Kevin Forbes/YouTube.

Reuters