Evacuation after fire on oil rig

Thirty four people were evacuated from an oil platform off Whitby, North Yorkshire, after fire broke out.

Helicopters lifted them from the Energy Enhancer, 73 miles out in the North Sea, to a standby vessel after smoke was noticed in the accommodation area.

A further 45 essential staff remain on board. It was confirmed at 0230 BST that the fire had been put out.

The operation was co-ordinated by Humber Coastguard, with help from the RAF at Leconfield and Boulmer.

A coastguard spokesman said: "The problem began earlier today when a small fire was thought to have been contained in the accommodation area, but smoke and a strong heat source was detected late on Saturday night and crew were noticing smoke.

"A decision was made to evacuate 34 non-essential crew from the platform and 45 crew members remain on board."