What went wrong in Piper Alpha?
An explosion and resulting oil and gas fires destroyed Piper Alpha on 6 July 1988, killing 167 men, including two crewmen of a rescue vessel; 61 workers escaped and survived. At the time of the disaster, the platform accounted for approximately ten percent of North Sea oil and gas production.
Who survived the Piper Alpha?
Joe Meanen
Joe Meanen survived Piper Alpha by jumping 175ft from the burning platform. It is said it took Mr Meanen seven seconds to hit the water, such was the height he jumped.
Is Piper Alpha still there?
The remains of Piper Alpha were toppled into the sea on 28 March 1989. Of the 226 people on board that night, only 61 survived. Of the deceased, 109 died from smoke inhalation, 13 by drowning, 11 of injuries including burns. In 4 cases, the cause of death could not be established, and 30 bodies were never recovered.
How many people died on Piper Alpha oil rig?
167 people
The 1988 Piper Alpha disaster killed 167 people, making it the world’s deadliest oil rig accident in history. Situated just off the coast of Aberdeen, a city famous for its oil rigs and production, the oil platform exploded on July 6 1988.
When did the Piper Alpha oil platform catch on fire?
The offshore platform Piper Alpha, which was lo-. cated in the British sector of the North Sea oil field and operated by Occidental Petroleum, was engulfed in a catastrophic fire on July 6, 1988.“~~) Piper Alpha re- ceived and sent to the shore the oil and gas production of a group of platforms.
What did the custodian do in the Piper Alpha disaster?
Before anyone could act, the gas ignited and exploded, blowing through the firewall. The custodian pressed the emergency stop button, closing huge valves in the sea lines and ceasing all oil and gas extraction. Theoretically, the platform would then have been isolated from the flow of oil and gas and the fire contained.
What was the total loss of Piper Alpha?
Only 61 workers escaped. 30 bodies were never recovered. The total insured loss was about $3.4 billion, and at the time of the disaster, the platform accounted for approximately ten percent of North Sea oil and gas production.
How big was the Piper Alpha oil field?
The total insured loss was about $3.4 billion, and at the time of the disaster, the platform accounted for approximately ten percent of North Sea oil and gas production. A large fixed platform, Piper Alpha was situated on the Piper oilfield, approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) northeast of Aberdeen in 474 feet (144 meters) of water.