Update: Salvors to Board Grounded Transocean Winner
Final preparations are being made to put a small team of salvors on board the grounded semi-submersible oil rig Transocean Winner off the Isle of Lewis this afternoon.
The rig broke free from a tow line in severe weather Monday and ran aground off the western isles of Scotland.
Salvors are conducting an initial assessment of the rig as part of the ongoing operation to remove it.
Hugh Shaw, who as Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention is overseeing the operation, said, "This initial recce will be checking a number of things including fuel tanks."
"Weather permitting, it’s then intended to put a second larger group of salvors on tomorrow to carry out a more detailed inspection." Shaw said.
Three vessels including the ETV Herakles remain on scene. A temporary exclusion zone of 300 meters has been implemented around the rig.