A 17,000-tonne oil which ran aground in the Western Isles two months ago has left Scotland.

The Transocean Winner grounded near Carloway on Lewis during a storm on August 8.

It was towed free two weeks later and taken to Broad Bay, where it was lifted onto the back of the 60,000-tonne heavy transport OHT Hawk last week.

The rig is now on its way to Malta, where minor repairs will be carried out before it is dismantled in Turkey.

Its departure was delayed this week while Turkish authorities were given assurances that the Transocean Winner was safe.

The rig was being towed from Norway to Malta when it broke free from the tugboat Alp Forward and crashed into the shore at Dalmore Bay, near Carloway.

Two of its four fuel tanks ruptured in the collision and spilled about 53,000 litres of diesel into the sea.

Most of the pollution is believed to have dispersed harmlessly, but the damage suffered by the rig when it grounded meant it was too hazardous to attempt a second tow.

Ahead of the OHT Hawk’s departure on Friday night, salvage expert Hugh Shaw said: “I can now confirm that I am satisfied that the necessary approvals are in place for the voyage from Broad Bay, Isle of Lewis, to Malta.”

Source: www.offshoreenergytoday.com