What happened to the remains of Piper Alpha?
What happened to the remains of Piper Alpha?
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 died on the Piper Alpha?
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.
Why was Piper Alpha such a disaster?
What caused Piper Alpha disaster? The primary cause of the accident was ruled to be maintenance work simultaneously carried out on one of the high-pressure condensate pumps and a safety valve, which led to a leak in condensates.
How did Piper Alpha affect the environment?
At around 9.55pm on 6 July 1988, gas leaking from a faulty condensate pump ignited and exploded. Three further explosions caused by ruptures in the pipelines connecting Piper Alpha to surrounding platforms and resulting fires in excess of 700°C decimated the 14,000t platform.
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.
How many people died in the Piper Alpha disaster?
Devastating pics show Piper Alpha disaster that rocked Britain 30 years ago. The tragedy saw 167 oil workers lose their lives after a series of blasts destroyed the North Sea oil platform – sending an accommodation block plunging into the waters.
When did the Piper Alpha oil rig explosion happen?
Late in the evening of 06 July 1988, a series of explosions ripped through the Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea. Engulfed in fire, over the next few hours most of the oil rig topside modules collapsed into the sea. 167 men died and many more were injured and traumatised.
Where was the Piper Alpha oil platform located?
It was once Britain’s biggest single oil and gas producing platform, bringing more than 300,000 barrels of crude a day – 10 per cent of the country’s total – from below the seabed 125 miles north-east of Aberdeen. Those who perished in the tragedy will be remembered at a special memorial service on Friday.
