Drill ship that went adrift is safely anchored and will be returned to Hunterston once weather conditions improve

The drill ship that went adrift last night, Tuesday, February, 2, after breaking away from its moorings at Hunterston is safely anchored while teams prepare to return the vessel to the dock once the weather improves.

Drill ship, DS4, broke away from its moorings last night at Hunterston terminal.

Noah Shipmanagement, Technical Managers of the drill ship, DS4, that drifted into the Hunterston Channel, Fairlie, last night have reported that the vessel remains in position in

the channel, safely anchored and with her engines and thrusters operational, in case they are required.

The ship went adrift when the quayside moorings failed last night at 7.20pm in very high winds of up to 70mph.

Drill ship, DS4, broke away from its moorings last night at Hunterston terminal.

Coastguard teams from Greenock, Largs, Cumbrae, Ardrossan and Ayr attended the incident, along with Largs, Troon and Girvan Lifeboats.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R199 was also deployed from Prestwick.

It is understood that some Coastguard teams, including Cumbrae Coastguards, were stood down at around 2am on Wednesday.

Police Scotland confirmed last night that they were in attendance offering assistance to the other emergency services on scene.

A spokesperson for Noah Shipmanagement said earlier this afternoon that a crew of eight, including a Master and Chief Engineer, were on board working with local authorities and

Marine Coastguard Agency to prepare for the return of the vessel to the lay-up berth once the weather improves.

The Drill Ship is anchored roughly 150/200 meters off the berth.

There were no injuries or pollution as a result of this incident.

Managers have thanked the local Authorities and the Port Management for their response to this incident.

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