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The operators of a North Sea drilling platform said it is "secure" despite losing four of its eights anchors during Storm Babet.

Coastguard helicopters airlifted 45 crew members off the Stena Sepy after the alarm was raised during the severe weather, at about 06:45 on Saturday.

On Sunday the company confirmed a further 44 staff remained on the platform and were "safe and well".

The semi-sub drilling unit is 146 miles (235km) east of Aberdeen.

Stena said the non-essential workers were transferred to neighbouring platforms and to Sumburgh on the Shetland Islands.

Those taken off will return to Aberdeen on Sunday.

Two Coastguard helicopters and a search and rescue helicopter were involved in the operation.

A company statement said: "Several anchor handling vessels will travel to the location throughout the next 24 hours to begin attaching tow lines to the drilling unit.

"The Stena Spey is safe and the well remains secure."

It added the weather in the area had improved with three to four metre waves and 11 knot winds.

The company said it was working with the partners and relevant authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive, to resolve the situation as "efficiently and safely as possible".