Offshore Worker Dies After Delayed Medevac from BP Platform

Oil and Gas People has learned today that an offshore worker has died after being Medevac’d from the BP Andrew platform on Friday night.

The worker, an employee of Aramark, died after a short stay in Aberdeen hospital where it is believed medics were unable to do anything for him. Sources close to the incident informed Oil and Gas People that the worker was in the gym on a bike when he collapsed and banged his head. The platform medic was called and a quick decision was made to airlift the casualty to hospital.

It is believed the casualty suffered a brain aneurysm although no official sources have confirmed this information at this time.

Platform workers contacted Oil and Gas People today raising concerns over the length of time it took to get an emergency rescue helicopter to the installation. It has been reported that Bond1 arrived more than 2 hours after the emergency call was placed on what is normally a 45-60-minute trip.

In a statement the Coastguard said: “Just after 8pm on Friday 19 April, HM Coastguard were asked to assist with the medevac of an unwell crewman on an installation 144nm NE of Aberdeen.”

“A Bond helicopter was first tasked to the incident but was already onroute to another medevac, therefore we sent the Sumburgh Coastguard helicopter to assist.”

“However, the Sumburgh Coastguard helicopter could not continue with the tasking and had to turn back just before 9pm due to an unwell crew member onboard.”

“This is a rare occurrence but the safety of all those onboard is our utmost priority – the Sumburgh aircraft would not have been able to complete this mission as a result of the unwell crew member.”

“The Bond helicopter was then retasked to complete the medevac operation and they arrived on scene just after 9.30pm.  Despite this unforeseen circumstance, the fastest response was still executed as the Bond helicopter was already heading in that general direction when it was retasked.”

“The unwell crewman was then airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.”

Bond1 completed the Medevac, it’s third one of the day and returned to Dyce while a Norwegian sector helicopter also landed at ARI with a Medevac in a seperate incident.

A Spokesperson for BP said: “BP is deeply saddened to confirm an offshore worker died following a medical incident on the Andrew platform at around 8pm on Friday [April 19]. We have been working with Police Scotland and the individual’s employing company to support those affected. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and their colleagues on Andrew.”

A spokesperson for Aramark said: “Aramark Offshore confirms with deep regret the sudden passing of our colleague following a medical incident on the Andrew platform on Friday last.”

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this time. Support is also being provided to our colleagues on the Andrew platform.  We have lost  a much loved co-worker and friend”.

Babcock who operate Bond1 refused to comment.

Oil and Gas People has chosen not to name the employee at this time at the request of Aramark who will be issuing a communication to employees Wednesday morning.

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