Workers wore survival suits and lifejackets
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As the helicopter began to falter, everyone on board would have gone through the procedures drummed into them in training.
The oil workers would have ensured that the hoods were up on their waterproof, dry survival suits and they were properly zipped up to ensure maximum protection in case they hit the icy seas. They would have all been wearing lifejackets and locator beacons around their wrists. In those last terrifying moments they would have had one hand on the circular release of their four-point harness as they braced themselves for impact.
While the pilots would have had extensive training, every passenger on board would also have done a Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency (BOSIET) course to prepare them for such an event.
Only last year, the offshore oil industry commemorated the 20th anniversary of its worst disaster, the Piper Alpha explosion, which cost 167 lives and led to a major review of safey laws. Two years earlier 45 workers were killed in a helicopter crash and others have perished since.
Today every man or woman heading for the platforms must undergo a three-day survival training programme which takes in helicopter safety, sea survival, fire fighting and first aid. In case of being caught at sea, they are trained to lie on their backs because of the lifejackets and move as little as possible to prevent losing even more heat. The advice is to link together to form a greater rescue target.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments