Oilrig
Posted: Monday, 12 March 2007 |
The oil drilling rig Sedco 711 has been stationary off the east coast of Lewis, just within sight of Stornoway since early on Friday. According to AIS, which shows the positions of auxiliary vessels (like the tugs Far Sky and Far Fosna), it is located off Marvig, between Loch Erisort (Cromore) and Loch Ouirn (Gravir).
Either of the tugs have been alongside pier no 3 since Friday. A stand-by safety vessel, the Ocean Viscount is near the rig. I'm absolutely consumed with curiosity what is going on, as all vessels associated with the rig are said to be on their way to Killibegs (Co Donegal, Ireland), due there on March 9th. There is an air of deja-vu about this, as the sight of oilrigs was common in Stornoway in the 1980s.
alt="Ominous clouds on Friday afternoon">
alt="Ocean-going tug Far Fosna returning to station">
This afternoon (Monday) I went over to the Battery to have a better look at the rig, but visibility got a bit impaired with a shower which decided to blow up.
Either of the tugs have been alongside pier no 3 since Friday. A stand-by safety vessel, the Ocean Viscount is near the rig. I'm absolutely consumed with curiosity what is going on, as all vessels associated with the rig are said to be on their way to Killibegs (Co Donegal, Ireland), due there on March 9th. There is an air of deja-vu about this, as the sight of oilrigs was common in Stornoway in the 1980s.
This afternoon (Monday) I went over to the Battery to have a better look at the rig, but visibility got a bit impaired with a shower which decided to blow up.
Comments
Can't get the photographs to appear.
Eilidh from Edinburgh
But no pictures. Can we have our money back ?
Septuagent from A Darkened Room
For a minute there I thought that one of the snaps showed a railway track and that Caledonian MacTrains in Stornoway had become a reality.
Annie B from the usual
You're not telling me CalMac Trains don't exist? Well that's Grey Stornoway off the holiday list then.
Flying Cat from a rough guide
Rig is heading to the Atlantic shelf off West Ireland to drill for gas. According to hebrides.biz they are weather bound in the Minch.
Jack from the lad
weather bound in the Minches, now there's a news flash (ha!)
mia from looking at an atlas
Annie B, the Castle Grounds Express might be extended to Goat Island.
Arnish Lighthouse from Stornoway
Do you think there will be a stop anywhere for refreshments.
Thevitalspark from Point
I have been in Lewis since late 2004 and am observing life on this fascinating island from an outsider's perspective. I look out at the lighthouse every day - as it looks out over the island and the sea. 
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