Four crew members missing after tug capsizes in North Sea

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A major rescue operation is underway involving the RAF and the coastguard.

RAF spokesman Michael Mulford told BBC Radio Scotland: "The latest, as far as we understand it, is there were 14 on board this vessel which has capsized.

"Ten have been recovered already. We have diverted a Nimrod from the Irish Sea to render assistance."

"It does appear to be unfolding as a major incident".

Mr Mulford said he believed a coastguard helicopter from Shetland and a North Sea rescue helicopter were en route to the scene.

A coastguard spokeswoman said the boat was a Norwegian anchor platform tug which capsized close to the Transocean Rather oil platform.

The incident happened at around 5pm, about 75 nautical miles west of North Shetland.

She said: "There were 14 people on board.

"Our coastguard helicopter is airborne and a civilian helicopter is also travelling to the scene."

It is understood that the boat is an anchor handling vessel which capsized as it turned away from the rig.

The drilling rig is operated by Transocean, the largest offshore drilling company in the world, for Chevron.

Four people are currently unaccounted for.