A Valaris drillship went adrift on Tuesday evening, breaking free from moorings near the port at Hunterston, North Ayrshire, Scotland.

Valaris Drillship DS-4 Goes Adrift off Scotland
Caption: Drillship Valaris DS4 - Image courtesy of Arjan Elmendorp

According to BBC, which was the first to report on the incident on Wednesday, "a major rescue operation has been ongoing overnight," when the 228 meters drillship, Valaris DS4, broke free and started drifting without power.

According to the news agency, coastguard rescue teams, vessels, and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene, and no injuries have been reported.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard received a mayday call just after 19:20 yesterday evening (02 February) after a drillship, with 8 crew onboard, broke from its mooring at Hunterston Terminal and started to drift without power."

"The vessel is now at anchor off Hunterston. A moored vessel at the terminal has also required assistance in the worsening weather and is currently being helped to hold its position by four tugs."

"An RNLI lifeboat, senior coastal operations officers, and three coastguard rescue teams remain on scene. This is an ongoing incident, and we have no further information at this time."

In a subsequent statement on Wednesday a few hours after the initial response, MCA said: "The engines [on the Valaris DS4 drillships] have now been restored, and the ship’s technical managers are working with the Port Authority to return the ship to a place of safety."

Source: Offshore Engineer