Thames Coast Guard Assist Crew of Jack Up Rig

Thames Coastguard are currently assisting the crew of a jack up rig who were working to install an off shore wind farm off Gunfleet Sands, near Clacton on Sea. The front two legs of the rig have sunk into the sand about three metres and work is now necessary in order to make the rig safe and operational. The crew of the rig have now been safely evacuated and the Walton and Clacton Lifeboats are now standing by for safety reasons. Catherine Boyer-Besant, Thames Coastguard Watch Manager said: “A tug is now on its way in order to assist with the operation to right the jack up rig. It will take a couple of hours to re-position it and we will need to wait for favourable tidal conditions in order to begin the work. The weather for the operation is good with light winds, slight seas and good visibility.”