More than 200 people are involved in the operation to refloat an oil rig which ran aground in the Western Isles.

The Transocean Winner rig was blown ashore in severe weather conditions on the western side of the Isle of Lewis last week when it detached from its tug en route from Norway to Malta.

The rig is believed to have leaked 50,000 litres of fuel, most of which is thought to have evaporated, but experts believe that there is no significant threat of pollution.

Salvage teams plan to transfer the remaining 137 metric tonnes of diesel fuel from the two intact tanks to tanks above the waterline.

Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative for maritime, salvage and intervention, who is overseeing the operation, said: ‘Work is ongoing and we are making steady progress, this is due to the response from all involved.

More than 200 people are involved in the operation to refloat an oil rig which ran aground in the Western Isles.

The Transocean Winner rig was blown ashore in severe weather conditions on the western side of the Isle of Lewis last week when it detached from its tug en route from Norway to Malta.

The rig is believed to have leaked 50,000 litres of fuel, most of which is thought to have evaporated, but experts believe that there is no significant threat of pollution.

Salvage teams plan to transfer the remaining 137 metric tonnes of diesel fuel from the two intact tanks to tanks above the waterline.

Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative for maritime, salvage and intervention, who is overseeing the operation, said: ‘Work is ongoing and we are making steady progress, this is due to the response from all involved.