The rig ran aground on the Isle of Lewis after violent storms snapped the tow line connecting the rig to its tug during a journey from Norway to Malta.

The stranded Transocean Winner has become a local tourist attraction on the Island, with police warning people to stay away from the scene of the incident at Dalmore beach.

It has been reported that the rig has 280 tonnes of diesel oil onboard and presents an environmental hazard, Stornoway Coastguard has blocked access to the area.

A spokesman for the Western Isles Emergency Planning Co-ordinating Group (WIPECG) said: “We would also ask the public to refrain from parking on roadside verges on the main road, not to cross hazardous ground and upset livestock – particularly in the Dalbeg area.

“Following the weather conditions of the past 48 hours, coastal paths are particularly hazardous and present a danger to the public who are attempting to gain access to this area.”

Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention advised that teams were moving as quickly as possible but that work may take some time.

Mr Shaw who is overseeing the salvage operation stated: “This initial recce will be checking a number of things including fuel tanks.

“Weather permitting, it’s then intended to put a second larger group of salvors on tomorrow to carry out a more detailed inspection.”

Three vessels including the tug boat Herakles are at the scene of the grounding.

With a large portion of the local community dependant on fishing the nearby waters for a livelihood, all eyes are watching the outcome of the salvage operation and hoping that none of the vessels contents spill into nearby waters.