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Tests are being carried out to see the Dalmore rig will be able to refloat.

If its 25 ruptured tanks are too badly holed the salvage operation has to be rethought.

Calculations show 16 of these flooded compartments required to have buoyancy for the refloating operation to remove the structure from Dalmore beach on Lewis.

Compressed air will be pumped into the tanks on the grounded Transocean Winner oil rig within its base to assess the level of damage. The pressurised air will force seawater out.

Five heavy duty compressors arrived off the freight ferry on Friday morning and were transferred on the the salvage tug, MV Union Bear, in Stornoway.

The Union Bear steamed to the rig at Dalmore in the afternoon. The compressors were hauled up to the rig's main deck using the platform's crane.

Further equipment and supplies are being airlifted onboard by helicopter.

Flanges have been manufactured by an island firm as part of the pipe work connections for the compressed air system.

On Saturday, when connected up, the salvage team will pressurise every tank in the pontoons as a check.

Salvage master, Sylvia Tervoort, of Smit Salvage, told a public meeting in Carloway: "Then we will know whether we need to do additional steps for the refloating."

"Refloating will depend on spring tides. We have a naval architect onboard the rig who is not also checking these compartments but making the calculations to ensure the stability is sufficient for the refloating."

"We need a free floating rig, that's what we want so not to tear open any bottom when we are pulling into the direction of the sea."

Two tugs - MV Union Bear and MV Union Princess will be used for the tow off. Two separate tow lines are prepared. One is the rig's emergency tow line on the stern portside which is in good conditions. They will also utilise one of the rig's anchor chains on the starboard side.

Refloating will take place when everything is prepared and the necessary tanks have sufficient buoyancy for a successful conclusion.

The present 300 metre exclusion zone will be extended to a 500 metre seaward limit when the tow-off takes place.

Salvage master, Sylvia Tervoort, of Smit Salvage

Crucial tests check if stricken rig would sink or float  

19 August 2016