More than 200 workers evacuated after leak at gas rigs

Search and rescue teams evacuated 209 people from two gas rigs off the coast of Aberdeen after a leak was reported.

The non-essential workers on the Total E&P offshore platforms were flown to Aberdeen yesterday afternoon after the leak was discovered at 12.15pm.

Aberdeen Coastguard oversaw the evacuation from the Elgin wellhead in the central Graben area, 150 miles from the Scottish city, and said no one was hurt.

Last night, a spokesman for Total said: "Work is continuing to control the gas release which occurred earlier today, and all non essential personnel on the Elgin production platform, along with all personnel on the nearby Rowan Viking drilling rig were evacuated as a precaution.

"Emergency procedures are focusing on the welfare of all personnel involved and in resolving the current situation as quickly as possible."

Staff were initially moved to nearby platforms but were eventually taken to Aberdeen.

Kevin Brown, Aberdeen Coastguard watch manager, said: "We had three rescue helicopters on scene and the assistance of four civilian helicopters aided with the evacuation process.

"The operator is now working to control the release."