An undetermined amount of diesel fuel has leaked from a Transocean Ltd. semisubmersible that drifted aground in Scotland, the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency said, adding that poor weather conditions have hampered inspections and recovery efforts.
Two fuel tanks cracked on the rig carrying about 280 tonnes of diesel. Officials have yet to determine how much fuel was been released into the waters off the Western Isles (OGJ Online, Aug. 9, 2016).
The Transocean Winner was being towed to Malta from Norway when it got disconnects from a tug in rough seas. No injuries resulted.
The Western Isles Emergency Planning Coordinating Group said it could take some time to move the semi. Forecasts call for bad weather for the next few days, which could delay salvage efforts, officials said Aug. 11. Transocean has said it is working with authorities on the incident.
