Four rigs have been affected by the strike

British families are concerned for their relatives working on oil rigs in Nigeria after threats to blow up the rigs.

It is believed at least 35 Britons are among 100 non-Nigerian crew on four rigs run by US-based company Transocean.

About 100 of the remaining 270 Nigerian workers are on strike and took control of the platforms in protest at the sacking of colleagues.

Some Scottish workers have sent e-mails to the Aberdeen office of the British oil-workers' union, the OILC, saying the situation, which began over a week ago, has become more tense.

However it is hoped that talks between the Nigerian oil union and Transocean, taking place on Wednesday, will resolve the matter peacefully.

If these people start to think they have lost everything, then they will no longer see a need to keep us alive E-mail from oil worker One worker's e-mail diary

One e-mail mentioned threats that the rigs would be blown up if the oil company used force to end the dispute, said OILC general secretary Jake Molloy.

"These people live in a society with such brutality and hardship that is beyond the comprehension of most people from civilised countries to even begin to understand the mindset and thinking that these people have," the e-mail read.

"If these people start to think they have lost everything, then they will no longer see a need to keep us alive."

Mr Molloy said if Transocean forcibly removed the strikers, the situation would worsen.

Such disputes are not uncommon and usually end peacefully after a protracted period of negotiation.

'Optimistic'

Transocean spokesman Guy Cantwell insisted the situation was under control.

"Everything remains relatively calm and safe on the rigs.

"We are working to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible."

A spokesman for Nupeng, the Nigerian oil union whose workers are on strike, said he hoped talks being held in Lagos on Wednesday would open access to the four rigs and allow the workers to leave.

Nupeng Secretary General Joseph Akinlaja, said: "I am optimistic that the meeting will achieve this aim".