Families to receive compensation from Norwegian state after oil rig tragedy
FAMILIES who lost loved ones in an oil rig disaster 45 years ago will finally be compensated by the Norwegian state.
The Alexander Kielland platform capsized in the North Sea, off the coast of Norway, on March 27, 1980, killing 123 men, including five men from Cleator Moor.
A compensation motion was passed by 53 votes to 51 in the Norwegian Parliament today (June 5).
The Kielland Network – a group of survivors and bereaved family members – have been calling for a renewed investigation into the disaster. Members of the campaign group were among those to attend The Storting in Oslo to hear the debate.
The Alexander Kielland memorial in Cleator Moor Square (Image: Newsquest)
Colin Lamb, of Plumbland, near Aspatria, lost his dad, Colin, 44, in the disaster. He said he was 'over the moon' to find out the motion had been passed after receiving WhatsApp messages from members of the Kielland Network who were in attendance.
He said: 'It's the best news I've ever had. It's taken 45 years for this to happen. It was a very close majority.
'It's my dad and he's gone but I feel it's what we should have had. 45 years is a long time. It's just great news.'
Colin Lamb, 44, died in the Alexander Kielland disaster (Image: Family handout)
Alan Hunter, of Distington who also lost his dad, Keith in the disaster, said: 'I'm still soaking it all in. It's been a long time coming. It's a result for all of our dads.
'This should have been sorted out years ago. We shouldn't have to go through all this now at our age.
'We still want to see what the Norwegian have to say. Any money they throw at us, it doesn't matter. We want to know what they are going to come with. Are we going to get an apology?'
Keith Hunter, 34, was killed in The Alexander Kielland disaster (Image: Family handout)Michael Eldon, who represents Cleator Moor West on Cumberland Council, said: 'This is a big step. This is just the start of admitting that what happened could have been avoided.'
A report published earlier this year by The University of Stavanger found a 'number of serious omissions' in the Norwegian authorities' handling of the disaster.
The study concluded that the authorities prioritised protecting the reputation of the oil industry over fully exploring the causes of the disaster.
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