Mystery after man vanishes on North Sea oil rig

'An extensive search of the rig itself and the water surrounding it is ongoing,' say police

The Noble Lloyd Noble oil rig, about 90 miles east of Shetland (Statoil)

A search is ongoing in the North Sea to trace a missing man who could not be found on board a rig.

Police received reports a 49-year-old man who had been working on the Noble Lloyd Noble installation could not be located on board.

Around 9.20pm on Tuesday police were alerted to the news on board a rig which is located in Mariner Field approximately 90 miles (150km) east of Shetland.

Following initial searches of the installation, a search involving a rescue helicopter, the Coastguard, two supply vessels and a platform supply vessel began.

Inspector Steve McEwan of Police Scotland said: "An extensive search of the rig itself and the water surrounding it is ongoing, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

"This involves the use of a search and rescue helicopter, two standby vessels and a platform supply vessel.

"We are working closely with the companies involved and next of kin to keep them informed of any developments."

Press Association