The operation to lift the Transocean Winner out of the water is due to be completed this evening.
The two large pontoons making up the rig's base are safely resting on the sunken deck.
The flotilla of tugs moved off and the Hawk took the weight of the 17,600 tonne structure. Pumping out ballast water is lightening the ship allowing her to rise to normal draft.
The damaged oil rig was positioned over the submerged deck of the heavy load ship, the Hawk, late morning.
Despite some hitches, speedy progress was accomplished with the slowly rising deck of the Hawk set to breach the surface this evening.
Rig rising out of the sea
6 October 2016