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Europe

UK coast guards warn sightseers away from oil rig on beach

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    The Transocean Winner drilling rig is seen off the coast of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, after it ran aground in severe weather conditions, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016. The oil rig, carrying 280 tonnes of diesel, broke free of its tug and ran aground on the remote Scottish beach where it is being monitored by a counter-pollution team. (Andrew Milligan / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

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    Image 2 of 3

    The Transocean Winner drilling rig is seen off the coast of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016, after it ran aground in severe weather conditions. The oil rig, carrying 280 tonnes of diesel, broke free of its tug and ran aground on the remote Scottish beach where it is being monitored by a counter-pollution team. (Andrew Milligan / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

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    Image 3 of 3

    People observe the Transocean Winner drilling rig off the coast of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, after it ran aground in severe weather conditions, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016. The oil rig, carrying 280 tonnes of diesel, broke free of its tug and ran aground on the remote Scottish island where it is being monitored by a counter-pollution team. (Andrew Milligan / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

LONDON – Police are warning people to stay away from an oil rig that was blown onto a remote Scottish beach in a storm.

The Transocean Winner drilling rig was being towed when it broke free of its tug and ran aground on the Isle of Lewis off Scotland's west coast on Monday.

Environmental groups have expressed concern, but coast guards say the risk of pollution is low. Salvage crews are working to recover some 280 tons of diesel on board.

Local politicians are calling for an emergency towing vessel to be based in Scotland's Western Isles after reports it took coast guards 18 hours to reach the rig.

Scottish National Party lawmaker Angus MacNeil says he also wants to know "why this oil rig was being towed in severe winds."