British Disasters, Piper Alpha

In July 1988 the North Sea oil production platform Piper Alpha was destroyed in a massive explosion and subsequent fire. 167 men were killed, including two crewmen of a rescue vessel.

To date it is the world’s worst offshore oil disaster. Thirty bodies were never recovered.

The disaster began with a routine maintenance procedure. On the morning of the 6th of July, a certain backup propane condensate pump in the processing area needed to have its pressure safety valve checked. The work could not be completed by 18.00 and the workers asked for and received permission to leave the rest of the work until the next day. The tube was sealed with a plate.

Later in the evening during the next work shift, the primary condensate pump failed. None of those present were aware that a vital part of the machine had been removed and decided to start the backup pump. Gas products escaped from the hole left by the valve.

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