Oil rig adrift in 25ft North Sea waves

A drilling rig with 71 crew is adrift in the North Sea after breaking its tow.

All on board are in good condition, the Norwegian state oil company says.

The Byford Dolphin rig was on its way to plug a well when it broke from its tow at about 0630 GMT in bad weather.

"All 71 crew on board are in good condition, and the position is not considered critical," the company said.

Rescue crews are working to get new towlines on board the rig.

Statoil says there is little chance of collision with nearby installations and several ships and helicopters are on stand-by in case more help was needed.

The rig, which has its own propulsion machinery, was moving under control at a speed of 1.5 mph between the Draugen and Njord platforms.