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Transocean Winner

Coastguard Murdo Macaulay urges people to stay away from Dalmore clifftops

Curious spectators are warned they could come to harm while scouring cliffs to seek a look at the oil rig which grounded off the west coast of Lewis.

Coastguards fear spectators clambering around the cliff tops risk being blown onto rocks or injured as 40mph gusts continued to affect the islands.

The rig grounded on the beach at the end of the single track road to Dalmore village.

But the narrow road is closed to avoid congestion until lorries with salvage equipment arrive.

Instead, hundreds of people are around the top of the rocky coastline in strong winds.

The location is near to where a French national fell to his death some years ago.

A viewing platform is being set up along the road to allowed people a safe point to eyeball the Transocean Winner, which hit rocks after breaking her tow line and drifting in storm force winds on Monday.

Coastguard coastal operations manager, Murdo Macaulay, said: “For safety reasons we are keeping people away until we get the area set up as a working platform.

“After that, in conjunction with the police, we are going to clear a viewing area and allow people down the road to take pictures and have a look.”

Police and coastguards patrolled the area on Monday, warning people over the hazards of wet, slippery ground along dangerous cliff tops.

An artic lorry full of salvage equipment needs to reach the carpark beside the beach.

Mark Rodaway UK coastguard commander said: “We understand that this incident is of interest to people living in the area, but we’re really asking them to stay away to ensure easy access for emergency services and salvors.

“Also the last thing we want is for people to be injured or worse trying to get a closer look on remote cliff paths.”

 

 

People clambering over hazardous cliffs to see grounded oil rig

8 August 2016