On March 27, 1980, a catastrophic event took place in the North Sea, which resulted in the loss of 123 lives. It was the capsizing of Alexander Kielland, a Norwegian semi-submersible drilling rig that was operating in the Ekofisk oil field.
TV2, a Norwegian television network, aired a documentary on the incident, titled "Alexander Kielland - The Untold Story." The documentary sheds light on the events leading up to the accident, the rescue operation, and the aftermath.
The Tragic Incident
The Alexander Kielland was a drilling rig that was built in 1976 by the Norwegian company, Stavanger St??per. It was owned and operated by the state-run oil company, Statoil. The rig was designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and was considered to be one of the most advanced drilling rigs of its time.
On the fateful day, the rig was hit by a giant wave, which caused one of the five legs to collapse. The rig tilted to one side, and within minutes, it capsized, trapping many workers inside.
The Rescue Operation
As soon as the incident was reported, a massive rescue operation was launched. Rescue teams from Norway, Denmark, and the UK were called in to assist. Helicopters were used to airlift the survivors and the deceased to the shore.
Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, 123 people lost their lives in the incident. It was the deadliest accident in the history of the Norwegian offshore industry.
The Aftermath
The incident had a profound impact on the Norwegian society. It raised concerns about the safety standards in the offshore industry and led to significant changes in the regulations governing the industry.
The TV2 documentary, "Alexander Kielland - The Untold Story," features interviews with survivors, family members of the deceased, and experts who were involved in the investigation. It provides a comprehensive account of the incident and its aftermath, highlighting the human cost of the tragedy.
Conclusion
The Alexander Kielland incident was a tragic event that shook the Norwegian society. The TV2 documentary provides an in-depth look at the incident and its aftermath, giving viewers a better understanding of the human cost of the tragedy. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Norwegian offshore industry.
