In a significant development in one of Europe’s most enduring industrial disaster stories, Norway’s parliament has voted to establish a state compensation scheme for the families of those who died in the 1980 Alexander L Kielland oil rig disaster. This event, which took the lives of 123 men, including Michael Fleming, an electrical engineer from Great Britain, during a storm in the Norwegian North Sea, represents a crucial milestone in a long and challenging journey for the families seeking justice.
Laura Fleming, the daughter of Michael Fleming, expressed mixed feelings about the decision while in Oslo to witness the vote at Norway’s parliament. She recognized the progress made but also lamented the lack of direct accountability for those responsible for the disaster. The compensation, though belated by 45 years, is seen as a monumental step by Fleming and the families affected.
The Kielland disaster led to significant changes in safety protocols and regulation in the oil industry. However, the long road to justice has left many families, including those in Britain, without full knowledge of the disaster’s circumstances or appropriate compensation. The establishment of the compensation scheme, while late, is viewed as a corrective action by a country known for its wealth, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the workers and their families.
The campaign for justice was powerfully driven by the late Kieran Reme, the head of the Kielland Foundation and Network, who personally reached out to British families for support. His legacy continues to inspire those fighting for recognition and reparations. Despite the absent presence of Reme, who passed away last year, the community stands united in gratitude for his efforts.
This compensation scheme, while a moment of relief and acknowledgment for the families, is also a stark reminder of the long and complex process toward justice for industrial disasters. The plight of the Kielland families underscores the broader themes of accountability, the importance of rigorous safety standards, and the responsibility of industry towards its workers and their families.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/08/its-a-momentous-day-families-of-britons-killed-in-1980-oil-rig-disaster-awarded-compensation
