North Sea platform loses anchors as Storm Babet continues to hit Scotland

Four of the eight anchors from Stena Spey have been lost due to "severe weather"

The oil platform Stena Spey is moved with tug boats amongst other rigs
Author: Liam RossPublished 21st Oct 2023
Last updated 21st Oct 2023

A North Sea drilling platform has lost several anchors after Storm Babet hit eastern parts of Scotland.

Four of the eight anchors were lost from the Stena Spey due to "severe weather"

HM Coastguard have sent out helicopters after being alerted to the incident earlier today.

Stena Drilling, who're responsible for the rig 146 miles off the coast of Aberdeen say all 89 personnel are accounted for.

All 89 personnel onboard the Stena Spey are at muster and are all accounted for.

A spokesperson for Stella Drilling said: "Earlier this morning four of the eight anchors detached themselves from the drilling unit due to the severe weather encountered from Storm Babet.

"The well remains secure and the asset (the Stena Spey) is stable."

An update issued by the firm tonight added that 45 personnel were safely transferred from the rig to neighbouring platforms and to Sumburgh on the Shetland Islands

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard sent two of its helicopters alongside an industry search and rescue helicopter to assist at a drilling platform facing strong waves in the North Sea 128 nautical miles off Aberdeen.

"The situation was reported at about 8.40am on 21 October."

A relative response number has been set up for concerned relatives. The number is 01224 455199

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