Police Scotland reveals name of worker killed in rig accident

March 3, 2014

Police Scotland revealed the name of the oil worker who died following an incident on the Harding Platform in the North Sea as George Bartlett, aged 62.

Bartlett was from the Shotts, West Lothian area. His family have released the following statement: “George was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sorely missed by us all. He has worked offshore for many years but no matter how far away he was he would always be in touch. We are a close-knit family and we now ask that we are given time to come to terms with our loss.”

Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive are continuing their joint investigation into the incident, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course, Police Scotland said.

The incident happened just after 2.15am Thursday when Bartlett fell overboard during maintenance activity on the platform. He was recovered from the sea by a support vessel and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Shetland where he subsequently died.

The Harding platform is owned and operated by TAQA and is located 320 kilometres north-east of Aberdeen. Production at the platform has been closed since the incident.

Oil & Gas UK director of health, safety and employment issues, Robert Paterson, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this distressing incident and our immediate thoughts go to the family, friends and colleagues of this member of our industry.”

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 03, 2014