Stranded oil workers return home

The workers were finally allowed to leave the installation on Wednesday

Dozens of offshore oil and gas workers who were stranded on a rig off the north coast of Russia were returning home over the weekend.

The 43 workers were due to depart the Energy Exerter drilling rig in the Barents Sea last week.

However, their bosses said Russian immigration authorities blocked attempts to allow a replacement crew onto the rig.

The crew, many of them Scottish, were finally allowed to leave on Wednesday.

Russian authorities gave permission on Tuesday for a vessel to sail from the Russian port of Naryan-Mar to begin the crew change.

'Continued support'

Crew members were taken off the installation by a support vessel which sailed from the port.

Their Aberdeen-based employer Northern Offshore UK said the crew were now on their way home, and would be flying into their various home airports around the UK and Europe over the weekend.

A spokesman said: "We are very grateful for the continued support of our whole team - the delayed crew and those who have worked hard to get everyone home.

"The Energy Exerter is now ready to commence drilling operations and we are looking forward to a successful relationship with the operator."

The workers are taking part in a five-month programme for Russian operator Gazflot.

The rig recently arrived at the drilling location after sailing from the Danish port of Esbjerg.