Oil rig carrying 280 tonnes of diesel runs aground in storm

An oil rig carrying 280 tonnes of diesel has run aground on the Isle of Lewis after becoming detached from its tug boat during a storm.

The rig, Transocean Winner, is being closely monitored by a counter-pollution team after grounding on the western side of the island, near Carloway in the Western Isles.

It became detached from its tug in the early hours of Monday morning.

Severe weather, including high winds, prevented the crew from reconnecting the tow line.

The rig became detached from its tug boat during a storm. Credit: STV

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said no-one was aboard the rig when it ran aground.

She added: "Local authority, police and Marine Scotland have all been kept informed.

"There is 280 metric tonnes of diesel on board and this situation is being monitored. SMIT Salvage has been mobilised to deal with the incident".

The oil rig is carrying 280 tonnes of diesel. Credit: STV
The local authority, police and Marine Scotland are at the scene. Credit: STV