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Motion · S6M-09644 · 21 Jun 2023

Remembering Piper Alpha

Lodged by Mercedes Villalba Standard Motion 23 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament remembers those who lost their lives at Piper Alpha, on the 35th anniversary of the worst-ever offshore disaster, which changed the lives of thousands of workers and families in the North Sea oil and gas industry and, it believes, left an indelible mark on the north east; notes that 167 men were killed in the disaster, including two crewmen on a rescue vessel, following an explosion on 6 July 1988 on the Piper Alpha Production Platform, 120 miles north-east of Aberdeen; further notes that just 61 workers survived the disaster, which saw one of the world’s largest oil producing platforms reduced to a burning wreckage within two hours; understands that the disaster led to the roll-out of widespread health and safety regulations, which were transformed to give North Sea oil and gas operators legislative and procedural guidelines commensurate with the demands of large-scale operations in the late 20th and early 21st century; further understands, however, that offshore unions still do not have the ability to appoint safety representatives; commends the bravery, skill and dedication of all those who work offshore, and stands with the survivors and loved ones of those who lost their lives on that fateful night in 1988.

Supporters (23)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.