I won’t be on the forum or near a computer tomorrow, hence the reason I’m posting this now.
Tomorrow marks the 19th Anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster which claimed the lives of 167 men, between the ages of 19 and 65 years.
The disaster left an indelible mark on both the industry and the lives of many people in this area.
I was onshore at the time, but still vividly remember the night of the disaster and the trail of choppers flying into Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in the heart of the city. My next trip offshore was to an installation from which the ruin of the platform was clearly visible – a sobering sight for a 19 year old, and one which brought home the stark realities of some of the risks that we faced.
I see many tributes on these forums (and rightly so) to those who gave up their lives in conflicts around the world for what they believed in, but I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to – and ask you to spare a thought for – friends and colleagues who in this instance paid the ultimate price carrying out their daily work, and the families and loved ones that they left behind.
By: Paul F - 5th July 2007 at 16:04
Loosehead,
We were enjoying an early summer holiday (no children in those days, so we weren’t tied to the UK school holidays), and were staying in Northumberland. I can remember sitting watching the TV news in the hotel lounge, in near silence as the story unfolded, along with many other guests. The images were horrific.
It made everyone stop and think just what risks are being taken by those who provide our daily gas and petrol/oil supplies.
Thanks for reminding us.
Paul F
By: Loose-Head - 5th July 2007 at 15:46
Bex,
The remains of the platform were toppled in 1989. All you can see now is a marker bouy above the site of the wreck about 120 mtrs from the Piper Bravo, which was built to replace the Alpha and continue recovering the hydrocarbons left in the field.
By: bexWH773 - 5th July 2007 at 14:42
Loose Head,
I couldnt agree more with your words, I was 14 at the time. I hope you have a peaceful day tomorrow.
Does anything remain of the platform as a seabourne memorial?
Bex
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July 5, 2007 at 2:11 pm