Piper Alpha Disaster 1988
Outline Piper Alpha platform Explosions Aftermath Memorial
The Piper Field was discovered by Occidental Petroleum in 1973
The Piper Alpha platform becoming operational in 1976
Piper Alpha had 4 main transport risers
The 6 of July at around 22: 00 hours the gas ignited and exploded
Some 20 minutes later the Tartan gas riser failed and a second major explosion occurred followed by widespread fire
50 minutes later at around 22: 50 hours the MCP-O 1 gas riser failed resulting in a third major explosion
167 men died as a result of the explosions and fire on board the Piper Alpha, including two operators of a Fast Rescue Craft. 62 men survived, mostly by jumping into the sea from the high decks of the platform.
The accident was attributed mainly to human error, and was a major eye opener to the offshore industry regarding safety issues. Property damage from the explosion was estimated to be approximately $1. 4 bn.
The Piper Alpha memorial sculpture can be seen in the Rose Garden in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. The oil industry Chapel, St. Nicholas' Kirk, Aberdeen, includes a stained-glass Piper Alpha Memorial Window.
Conclusion Piper Alpha is an one of the World’s worst offshore oil disasters. It has taken a big place in the long list of accidents for more than 20 year history of the development of oil fields in the North Sea.