Piper Alpha 25 years

[Don]

Just a reminder, for myself really, that 25 years ago today, Piper Alpha exploded and we lost 167 men, and I lost quite a few friends.
For the lucky ones who escaped that night, I am sure they will never ever forget that night no matter how hard they try! Chap I knew pretty well told of how he jumped from the bottom of the derrik into the sea without knowing what was underneath, just knew he had to jump. Lot of bravery that night and a lot of sadness.

RIP mates

Don

 

[billyturnip]

RIP
Let's hope there isn't another one.

Roger.

 

[DEL]

One of my mates from Aberdeen had quite a few of his school pals on the platform when it happened.
By remarkable good fortune they all survived.
I've been watching the various programmes and interviews and it really brings home how life changing this was for the survivors and rescuers.
D

 

[Don]

Del, I had left Piper (always known as ) a couple of trips before and had gone to a new rig. Was at home when it happened and it was just awful sitting watching this take place. Brightened up every face I saw that I knew, just delighted they got off.
Friend from Glasgow jumped from a hight you would never dream off doing, but he said it was the only way down as the deck behind him had opened up.
Good friend that worked with me and taught me a lot about the rig was lost and thats the guy I never forget.
Awful night and awful memories.

Don

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Being over here in Canada, I didn't recognise the name Piper Alpha but thanks to your post Don I went to Wiki and learned something.

Thanks

Colin

 

[Don]

Colin its a well known name in the North Sea, worked there for about a year before being transfered to another company rig. Was a good place to work strangely, lot of good guys. Never to be forgotten guys!

Don

 

[Don]

Gentlemen, tonight on BBC 2 they are showing a documentry on the loss of Piper Alpha.
Have seen a small caption, and some well known faces, and it looks to be very good indeed.
I would urge anyone with no knowledge of this event to watch it. very powerful image and some messages which changed the oil industry, and should have changed industry worldwide!

Don

 

[Gellso]

Jeez 25 years ago....it doesn't seem that long.

RIP all the guys who we lost.

Gells

 

[Mirofsoft]

Sad event

for those, like me, who don't not what Piper Alpha is/ was :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_Alpha

 

[billyturnip]

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...arries_off_BAFTA_for_Piper_Alpha_documentary/

I didn't know we had a television company here, why am I always the last to know?

Roger.

 

[Don]

They made a great film Roger, brought it all back! The camera man that did the work just happened to be making a film about helicopters when they got diverted. He was also at the twin towers when they were hit.
Very glad I never worked with him.

Don

 

[billyturnip]

They made a great film Roger, brought it all back! The camera man that did the work just happened to be making a film about helicopters when they got diverted. He was also at the twin towers when they were hit.
Very glad I never worked with him.

Don

Funnily enough where the company is located is very close to where the gas depot blew up!
http://www.fireworld.com/Archives/t...View/articleId/86631/BEDEVILED-IN-BEDALE.aspx

The man's a jinx.

 

[Don]

Jinx is not the word I would use, I would lock him in his house.

About the Gas Depot blowing up, if I lived in a small village (which I do) and the order came "Make pumps twelve" I would be looking for my passport and leaving!

Don

 

[billyturnip]

The funny thing is I was in Belfast at the time as safe as houses and Bedale blew up.