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Crane barge being called to clear up after oil rig grounding

The Transocean Winner oil rig was on the rocks at Dalmore beach, near Carloway
The Transocean Winner oil rig was on the rocks at Dalmore beach, near Carloway

A crane barge is being called in to remove large slabs of metal ripped off a grounded 17,600 tonne oil rig.

A huge propeller in a 1.5 tonne thruster unit was one of the parts torn off the Transocean Winner when it was eventually towed off rocks at Dalmore bay in Lewis.

Other big pieces of broken oil rig are littering the seabed after the rig crashed into the shore in a summer storm on 8 August.

Around 40 chunks of jagged steel have been located – ranging from laptop size to scaffolding poles.

Islanders are warned the debris may be hazardous and could sweep ashore by the sea.

An utility work vessel, Forth Warrior, is due to move in when sea and swell conditions ease.

It emerged that no warnings signs are posted at the popular beauty spot despite the authorities insisting people should keep away in case they encounter potentially hazardous debris.

Oblivious to the hazards, hundreds of islanders and tourists are using the beach.

Surfer, David Scorer, said he had no heard about the warnings.

He said: “There are no signs anywhere, on the beach or at the entrance”

He now “definitely” has concerns over any debris.

Artist Kirsty Lymburn, who recently moved to Lewis, was also out surfing at Dalmore yesterday.

She said: “It is a worry. I wouldn’t like myself or anyone else to hit a large lump of metal. It could do some damage. it’s a worry for the wildlife especially.”

Western Isles Council said it was looking into the situation.

The UK Government’s deputy salvage advisor said storms could lift other rig debris onto the beach.

Colin Mulvana said: “There may well be previously undetected debris that may appear following bad weather.

‘Our advice remains the same as it has from the start – please stay off the beach while the diving operation continues and while the temporary exclusion zone is still in place.

‘We know that surfers and walkers, including those with dogs, use Dalmore Bay and will continue to use it after the diving operation is over and the exclusion zone has been lifted.”