Thousands of litres of diesel are feared to have spilled into the ocean from an oil rig that ran aground on the Western Isles in severe weather.
Checks found that two of the fuel tanks on the Transocean Winner rig have been breached but the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it is “unclear at this time” how much oil from the tanks has escaped.
The rig was carrying 280 tonnes of diesel — more than 300,000 litres — when it was blown ashore in severe weather conditions on the western side of the Isle of Lewis early on Monday.
The semi-submersible rig detached from its tug during towing and the weather prevented the line being reconnected.
A “low level” of pollution was detected by tests on Monday, Western Isles Council said, but no obvious signs of an oil spill remain at the site.
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Source: Irish Times
