Photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency/MCA
Welders have started work to secure the Transocean Winner rig onto the semi-
Salvors are also assessing the extent of damage caused when she grounded in Dalmore two months ago.
Following yesterday's loading operation, the Hawk deballasted and the rig is now clear of the water.
The MCA spotter plane flew over the scene in daylight yesterday and no pollution was sighted or reported.
However, in the afternoon some leakage was spotted in the water this is believed to have been a maximum of 50 litres of hydraulic or gear oil.
It’s thought to have come from a damaged part of the rig and counter-
The MCA aircraft flew over Broad Bay late morning today and found no further oil.
Vessels with counter pollution equipment will remain on scene until there is no longer any threat of a release from the rig's damaged sponsons.
Preparations are being made in Broad Bay to commence the sea fastening operations,to prepare the Hawk for her passage to Malta.
This could take four or five days to be completed.
Hugh Shaw, Secretary of State’s Representative Maritime and Salvage Intervention, said: "I’m delighted that after so much work and effort that the operation to load the Transocean Winner has been successful.
"We’re so grateful to the community in the area for being so supportive from the time the rig first grounded in August right through this long process."
Work commences to secure rig for scrapyard voyage
7 October 2016