Families of Kielland Disaster Victims Advocate for Justice in New Study

Wed Apr 02 2025 04:28:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Families of Kielland Disaster Victims Advocate for Justice in New Study

A report from the University of Stavanger highlights significant shortcomings in the 1980 oil rig disaster investigations, welcoming long-awaited support from victims' families.


The recent University of Stavanger report critiques the Norwegian government's handling of the Alexander Kielland oil rig disaster, affirming families’ claims of enduring injustice since 1980. The study suggests authorities favored the oil industry's reputation over the truth, echoing ongoing calls for accountability from relatives of the 123 victims, including Laura Fleming, whose father perished in the tragedy.


Families of victims from the Alexander Kielland oil rig disaster, which occurred in the Norwegian North Sea in 1980, have expressed support for a new critical study that substantiates their long-standing claims of inadequacies in how authorities handled the incident. On March 27, 1980, the platform, which served as an accommodation facility, capsized during severe weather conditions, resulting in the loss of 123 lives, including 22 individuals from the UK.

The University of Stavanger's study has drawn attention to the failures of Norwegian authorities to provide adequate support to the survivors and the families of victims. The Norwegian government has previously issued apologies for their investigative shortcomings, yet many questions regarding the disaster remain unanswered, according to family members. Laura Fleming, whose father Michael was one of the deceased, stated the report amplifies the need for transparency regarding the true cause of the tragedy.

The study revealed that authorities seemed more concerned with maintaining the positive image of Norway's lucrative oil industry rather than conducting a thorough examination of the disaster’s causes. Contrary to initial beliefs attributing the incident to a mechanical failure, the research indicates that deeper systemic issues contributed to the catastrophe.

Laura Fleming, who is actively involved in the Kielland Network, highlighted how families felt coerced into accepting compensation without a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the rig. She criticized the government for deliberately avoiding a full investigation post-accident, fearing it might tarnish the oil sector which significantly benefitted the nation’s economy.

While the Norwegian government has maintained that another inquiry would not yield new insights since they already recognized their previous failings, Fleming expressed gratitude for the new study, reiterating the importance of uncovering the truth to honor those lost in the tragedy and to advocate for long-overdue justice.

MORE ON THEME

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 17:48:17 GMT

Former Guinea Leader Receives Pardon Amid Controversial Massacre Legacy

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 17:48:17 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 02:39:51 GMT

### Rising Frustrations in Search for Disappeared Individuals on Antiguan Island

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 02:39:51 GMT
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:35:12 GMT

Venezuelan Deportees Face Dire Conditions in El Salvador’s Mega-Prison

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:35:12 GMT
Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:04:05 GMT

Protests Erupt in Turkey Following Mayoral Arrest Sparking Calls for Justice

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:04:05 GMT
Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:18:20 GMT

**Whistleblower Exposes Ecopetrol's Pollution Practices: A Deep Dive into Environmental Controversy**

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:18:20 GMT
Thu, 20 Mar 2025 01:43:04 GMT

**Malaysia Initiates New Search for MH370 Wreckage in Indian Ocean**

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 01:43:04 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:20:09 GMT

Outrage Erupts in North Macedonia Following Nightclub Tragedy

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:20:09 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:09:40 GMT

Tragedy and Outrage: North Macedonia's Nightclub Catastrophe Sparks Mass Protests

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:09:40 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:26 GMT

**Philippines Former President Rodrigo Duterte Faces Arrest for Human Rights Violations**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:26 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:17:15 GMT

Outcry in Bangladesh Following the Death of Rape Victim: Calls for Justice and Legal Reform

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:17:15 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:03:50 GMT

Fury Erupts in Bangladesh After Death of Eight-Year-Old Rape Victim

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:03:50 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:04:05 GMT

Fishermen File Lawsuit Against Bumble Bee Foods Alleging Forced Labor Practices

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:04:05 GMT
Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:45:01 GMT

Charges Filed Against Father in Shocking Mass Rape Case

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:45:01 GMT
Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:54:52 GMT

Syria Commits to Elimination of Assad-Era Chemical Weapons, Seeking Global Support

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:54:52 GMT
Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:02:41 GMT

Greek Nation Unites in Massive Protests Demanding Accountability for Train Catastrophe

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:02:41 GMT
Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:43:15 GMT

Supreme Court Grants New Trial for Richard Glossip, Oklahoma Death Row Inmate

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:43:15 GMT
Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:12:43 GMT

Zakia Jafri: A Tireless Advocate for Justice Passes Away at 86

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:12:43 GMT
Sat, 15 Feb 2025 08:05:47 GMT

Court Acquits Man in High-Profile Marital Rape Case, Spark Outrage Across India

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 08:05:47 GMT
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

Tragic Death of Congolese Musician Sparks Outrage Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT
Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:51:00 GMT

Harrowing Stories of Israeli Hostages Released from Hamas Captivity

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:51:00 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.