Probe after speedboat stunt under Tay rigs

The owner of Dundee Port has launched an urgent investigation after video emerged showing two men using a speedboat to pass underneath two giant oil rigs stationed at the quayside.

The footage shows the boat travelling underneath the Maersk Gallant and Rowan Norway jack-up rigs. It was released on Richy Boag’s YouTube page on Sunday.

Despite the pair laughing and smiling throughout, port operator Forth Ports says it is treating it as a “serious incident”.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Safety on the River Tay is our top priority and there are bylaws in place to ensure the safety of water users.

“A Notice to Mariners was recently distributed stating that 100m clearance from the rig must be maintained at all times.

“We are currently investigating this serious incident at the Port of Dundee and we are in contact with the relevant authorities.”

The notices, issued by Dundee Port marine manager Paddy Kelsall, state: “Vessels are requested to navigate with due diligence and caution when proceeding within the vicinity of this rig, maintaining a minimum of 100m clearance.”

Broughty Ferry RNLI condemned the group’s actions and warned they could be in contravention of the exclusion zone set up around the rigs.

A spokesman said: “We certainly wouldn’t condone any actions of this kind and people should respect the water.

“These individuals don’t appear to have taken any precautions for what could be hanging from the rigs or things falling off of them.”

The stunt came to light after a weekend which saw jet skiers leave a car on Broughty Ferry beach before riding “perilously close” to sunbathers.

One witness took to social media to slam their actions, stating: “Will it take a serious accident before something is done?”

Ferry Lib Dem councillor Craig Duncan said he has been in touch with the council to get clear guidelines of where jet skiers can and cannot go.