The Transocean Winner, a semi-submersible rig that ran aground near a beach on the Isle of Lewis, in August, is now on its way to Malta, after weeks spent in the UK.
The rig had been stranded near a beach close to Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland after the harsh weather blew it ashore in August. After that, the rig was towed to Broad Bay where it was waiting on weather to be loaded aboard the semi-submersible heavy lift and transportation vessel, the Hawk.
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency said that at 8.05pm on Friday the semi-submersible heavy lift ship Hawk lifted its anchor and began its journey transporting the rig Transocean Winner from Broad Bay, Isle of Lewis to Malta.
Hugh Shaw, Secretary of State’s Representative Maritime and Salvage Intervention said: “At 5pm today [Friday] I advised the Master of the HAWK that he had my permission to weigh anchor and proceed on the voyage in accordance with the agreed passage plan.”
“The UK Coastguard will continue to monitor its passage until it leaves the UK Search and Rescue Region. Weather permitting, the voyage to Malta will take approximately two weeks.”
The Hawk’s AIS data show the rig is currently (Monday, October 17, 8:20 am) sailing past Hartland, UK. The estimated Malta arrival time is Sunday, October 23, 2016.
Offshore Energy Today Staff