This Day in History: 27 December 2019
27 December 1965
54 years ago, today, Britain's Sea Gem oil rig, the first offshore drilling platform, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four men, and nine of the 32 crew are still missing. The accident occurred as the crew were in the process of moving the rig onto the water's surface for it to float to the new site. However, when the rig was lowered, two of its ten leg's gave way and broke, and the rig capsized, causing equipment and people to slide off into the cold water of the North Sea. Men were also seen jumping into the sea, stained red with fuel, and clinging onto wreckage.
Unfortunately, the radio hut was among the equipment lost in the sea, meaning that an emergency signal was never sent out. Despite this, the nearby British ship, theBalltrover, observed the incident, and the crew onboard sent out emergency signals and began to help rescue the oil rig's crew. TheLeconfield-based RAF helicopter also helped, and rescued three men, and those rescuing commented that by the time they arrived, only one leg of the rig was visible. Since the accident, several changes have been made to improve the safety of oil rigs, such as the use of a stand-by boat, to rescue crews if future accidents were to occur. Further investigation and inquiry towards the collapse concluded that metal fatigue in the suspension system was also to blame for the incident.
Want to find out more about the Sea Gem oil rig and it's unfortunate end? Clickhere for more details.
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