The rig that has been in Scillonian waters for the past couple of months is set to stay in St. Marys harbour until a sufficient window appears in the weather to get it to it’s next destination.
The Construction rig, originally based in the Gweek estuary in Cornwall, is bound for Anglesey for its next contract work, but it will need at least a five day spell of clear weather in which to make the trip. A tug is on standby, ready to collect the 40 tonne construction rig and tow it to Anglesey at a speed of four knots. The 300 mile trip is expected to take three to five days.
The crew of the rig, who laid a new marker at Bartholemew’s ledge and a day mark on St. Agnes (Above), have been given Christmas leave and the rig has been left moored at St. Marys harbour, alongside the quay. Steve Douglas who works in the harbour office Joked, “It may look bad, but it would provide some shelter for boats wishing to moor underneath it!”
If previous years are anything to go by, the rig could be sitting alongside St. Marys Quay for some time as the traditional New Years bad spell of weather looks likely for its annual return soon.