Transocean’s Winner loaded onto vessel for trip to Malta

The Transocean Winner semisubmersible drilling rig was loaded onto Offshore Heavy Transport’s semisubmersible heavy-lift vessel Hawk, and the Winner was deballasted, said the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Damage assessments started Oct. 7. The Hawk is being prepared for its journey to Malta.

The Winner drifted aground in Dalmore Bay on the Isle of Lewis on Aug. 8 off the Western Isles. Salvage crews since refloated and moved the Winner to Broad Bay where crews have awaited safe weather to resume removal operations.

In August, the Winner disconnected from the tug Alp Forward in rough seas off Scotland while it was being towed from Norway to Malta, Transocean said.