Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister marked the 45th anniversary of the Kielland disaster by calling on the Government to support bereaved families in their quest for answers.
The Kielland oil rig disaster took the lives of 123 men off the coast of Norway on 27th March 1980. Five men from Cleator Moor were killed on that tragic day – Michael Fleming, John McGrady, Brian Graham, Colin Lamb and Keith Hunter.
45 years later, their families are still seeking answers. An inquiry conducted in the 1980s by the Norwegian authorities collected a lot of information which has never been made available to families. In a question in Parliament on the 45th anniversary, Josh asked the Government to support efforts to get answers for the families.
Responding to Josh’s question, Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, said:
“I thank my hon. Friend for raising what is obviously a very important issue for his constituents, and for those still mourning the loss of friends and family in the Kielland disaster all those years ago. I am really sorry to hear that they feel that many questions are still unanswered. I know the British authorities are working closely with the Norwegian authorities in Oslo, but I will ensure that he gets a full reply about that and that his constituents get the answers they deserve.”
Josh said:
“Listening to Wayne and Alan Hunter, Colin Lamb and Paul Graham, who all lost their dads on the Kielland, I was struck by their determination after all these years to get answers and find some justice. I said they had my full support and I wanted to take this chance on the anniversary of that tragic incident to raise it in Parliament. I was pleased with the Minister’s answer and will be pursuing the issue with colleagues at the Foreign Office. Families deserve answers.”
Josh MacAlister MP 