Oil rig blown towards shore in severe weather

17,000-tonne drilling site became detatched from tug boat overnight and was swept towards coast

An oil rig is at risk of grounding off the Isle of Lewis in Scotland after high winds hampered a towing operation.

The semi-submersible Transocean Winner drilling rig, which weighs 17,000-tonnes, became detached from the tug Alp Forward during severe weather conditions overnight.

There are no personnel on board 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."

Coastguards have blocked off access to the beach for health and safety reasons, with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch now looking into into the incident.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.