Oil platform evacuated as radioactive ship drifts in North Sea

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Oil platform evacuated as radioactive ship drifts in North Sea

An oil platform in the North Sea has been evacuated as a ship carrying radioactive material continues to drift in the Moray Firth.

The Parida was transporting a cargo of radioactive concrete waste when a fire broke out in one of her two funnels.

The blaze has been extinguished, but 52 workers were taken from the Beatrice platform by helicopter as a precaution.

Aberdeen coastguard said the ship's crew plans to try to secure her by her anchors to stop her drifting.

The crew members will then decide whether to attempt to restart the engine or call in a tug.

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-29531395


-- BBC 2014-10-08