ONE of the survivors of the Piper Alpha disaster yesterday called for the establishment of a memorial scholarship scheme dedicated to the 167 men who died.
Ed Punchard, who was working as a diver on the oil platform when it was blown apart in a series of explosions 20 years ago, urged Britain's oil and gas industry to back the scheme as part of a commitment to improving offshore safety.
He said: "I b
elieve that we need to empower a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry in the future, so that they will be fully aware of the dangers inherent in the industry and the need for the highest levels of safety at every level."
Mr Punchard, who is now one of Australia's leading documentary filmmakers, was one of 61 oil workers who survived the disaster on 6 July, 1988.
Launching his scholarship plan in Westminster, Mr Punchard said: "It is extremely important to remember the 167 individuals who were lost in the Piper Alpha in 1988, but in a way that is about the future and not the past.
"The proposal is to create a positive focus for a new generation of engineers, designers and workers engaged in the oil and gas industry.
"It is to inspire dedication and commitment to safety in the offshore environment.
"It is also intended to honour the names of those who lost their lives and to assist in their remembrance."
The full article contains 253 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
