A massive drill ship has broken loose from its moorings at Hunterston sparking a massive emergency response over fears it could run aground on the isle of Cumbrae.

HM Coastguard received a mayday call just after 7.20pm this evening (February 2) after a 105 metre drill ship, with eight crew on board, broke from its mooring at Hunterston Terminal and started to drift without power. 

Locals feared that the vessel - VALARIS DS4 - could drift towards the island or the nuclear intake cooling pipe at Hunterston given the treacherous conditions. 

Eyewitness David Nairn told the Herald: "I could see it from my house in Fairlie.

"The community council had written to Peel Ports about this already. We predicted something like this would happen.

“The community council wrote a letter saying this was a disaster waiting to happen.

"If it was not suitable for cruise ships it is obviously not suitable for drill ships.

"The two ships were parked at the port and one has just broke free in the wind. It swung round and it looks like the tail end is getting close to the Cumbrae side.

"There is a howling wind and it is very cold."  

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard received a mayday call just after 19:20 this evening (February 02) after a 105 metre drill ship, with eight crew on board, broke from its mooring at Hunterston Terminal and started to drift without power.  

"The vessel is now at anchor, two tugs have been sent to assist, one is alongside the other is en route.

"Troon and Largs RNLI lifeboats, the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick and coastguard rescue teams from Largs, Ardrossan, Ayr, Gourock and Cumbrae have also been sent.

"This is an ongoing incident and we have no further information at this time."

Image credit: David Nairn