As investigation into accident begins

Last night the MAIB confirmed its investigation team had now left the site where the 17,000-tonne rig was swept ashore.

An MAIB spokesperson said the results of the investigation would be published in “due course”, but refused to give details of any lines of inquiry.

The MAIB would not state whether its officials would return to the site this week to pursue their investigation, which the body’s website says is into the “grounding of a semi-submersible on the west coast of Lewis after it became detached from the tug Alp Forward”.

Meanwhile, industry body Oil & Gas UK said it was closely monitoring the affected area, as it called for lessons to be learned from the incident.

Mick Borwell, its health, safety and environment director said: “Oil & Gas UK has closely monitored the situation involving the stranded oil rig in Lewis and we will continue to do so, as safety and the environment are of paramount importance to our industry.

“Oil & Gas UK works to share best practice across the sector and we will ensure any lessons are learned from this incident. We recognise that a vessel with suitable towing capabilities, which can be deployed to support HM Coastguard in the event of an emergency incident, plays an important role, in particular where there is a threat of pollution.”

The MAIB probe came as plans to airlift a salvage team on to the grounded rig had to be abandoned because of bad weather. Meanwhile, Western Isles Council said a “low level” of pollution had been detected by tests, but daily shoreline inspections by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had indicated no visible sign of pollution.

No one was on board the rig when it ran aground and people are being urged to stay away from the beach.