This afternoon the final approval was received from Turkey consenting to allow the damaged oil rig to be offloaded there.
The transport ship, the Hawk set sail from Broad Bay around 8.15pm, slowly rounding Tiumpan Head lighthouse and setting a southbound course down the Minch.
Authorities in Scotland, Malta and Turkey all consented to the salvaged oil rig leaving its location in Broad Bay.
Delays held up departure for days after the Turkey government sought assurances over the state of the damaged platform before issuing a permit to allow the rig to be unloaded into the water in their country.
The redundant rig which grounded on 8 August will continue her voyage, initially
to Malta and then Turkey, by piggy-
Hugh Shaw, the UK government's salvage advisor, said: "I can now confirm that I am satisfied that the necessary approvals are in place for the voyage from Broad Bay, Isle of Lewis, to Malta.
"At 5pm tonight 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, and the conditions set by the marine warranty survey. "
Passage to Malta could take up to two weeks.
Salvaged oil rig departs Lewis for final voyage to scrap yard
14 October 2016
The stricken Transocean Winner set sail for Turkey on Friday night.
MCA