Grandfather killed in North Sea accident (From The Northern Echo)

Grandfather killed in North Sea accident

9:17am Monday 8th January 2007 in News

A GRANDFATHER looking forward to his imminent retirement has been killed in an accident in the North Sea.

Matthew Grey, a 59-year-old pipe-fitter from Darlington, suffered fatal injuries in what has been called "an appalling tragedy" while working in the cargo tanks of the support ship Bleo Holm, 72 miles north-east of Aberdeen.

His colleague, Norman Jackson, 58, from North Shields, North Tyneside, a rigging foreman, was hurt in the accident. After receiving medical attention on the Bleo Holm, Mr Jackson was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, from where he was discharged after treatment for a minor arm injury.

The vessel's operator, Talisman Energy (UK), confirmed an investigation was under way to find the cause of the accident, which happened at about 9.20pm on Saturday.

Mr Grey, who was employed by Aker Kvaerner Offshore Partner Limited (AKOPL), was treated at the scene by the vessel's medic but died before he could be airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The full circumstances of the accident have not been revealed.

A spokesman for his family said last night: "Matthew was a well-loved family man and a fantastic husband, dad and granddad.

"He touched the lives of everyone he met with his good humour and generous nature.

"He was a hard-working, dedicated and experienced employee.

"The family was looking forward to sharing his imminent retirement, and his premature death has left a huge void in the family.

"We are all devastated and will miss him dearly."

The family made a request to be left alone to deal with their grief.

Rod Buchan, managing director of AKOPL, also paid tribute last night to Mr Grey, who he described as "an experienced, committed and hard-working employee, who was liked and respected by all".

Torleif Gram, executive vice-president for the company, said: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident."

Nick Walker, Talisman Energy's UK vice-president, said: "On behalf of everyone at Talisman Energy, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Matthew's family.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with them during what is clearly a very difficult time.

"Talisman is fully committed to investigating the reasons for this appalling tragedy."

The Bleo Holm is a floating production and storage off-loading vessel that operates in several of the North Sea's oil fields.