Glasgow Evening News: Inquiry into rig workers' deaths: “After the tragedy, operators Shell revised safety procedures and maintenance issues, admitting there were shortcomings.”: Posted 20 July 2005

AN inquiry will be held into the deaths of two North Sea oil workers.

Lord Advocate Colin Boyd announced - after "personal consideration" - a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held, reversing an earlier decision.

Sean McCue, 22, from Fife, and Keith Moncrieff, 45, from Invergowrie, near Dundee, were working on the Brent Bravo platform when they were overcome by a sudden release of gas in 2003. A doctor was flown in from a nearby rig but the men could not be saved.

After the tragedy, operators Shell revised safety procedures and maintenance issues, admitting there were shortcomings.

Originally, it was decided not to go ahead with an inquiry, and Shell was fined a record £900,000 for its part in the tragedy at Stonehaven Sheriff Court in March this year.

The procurator-fiscal will now apply to the sheriff for the inquiry to be held.

Offshore oil union OILC welcomed the news of the inquiry but acknowledged it may be a painful experience for the victims' families.

A spokesman said: "We hope it will bring final closure for the families, while answering the many questions that still surround the tragedy."

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5041323.html

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