Probe after worker dies on North Sea drilling rig

Lee Hulse died as a result of an incident on the Valaris 121 jackup drilling rig

An investigation has been launched after the death of a worker on an offshore installation in the North Sea.

Lee Hulse, 32, was working on the Valaris 121 jackup drilling rig 140 miles (225km) east of Aberdeen when an incident happened on Friday morning.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was aware of the incident and would be investigating alongside Police Scotland.

Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and that a report had been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The company said: "Valaris regrets to inform that a crew member onboard its Valaris 121 (V121) jackup drilling rig sadly died as a result of an incident in the early hours of Friday.

"Their next of kin has been informed and Valaris is offering support to them at this difficult time.

"All remaining personnel onboard the V121 at the time of the incident have been safely accounted for."

Valaris said its priority was the safety and wellbeing of all personnel, adding that operations on the V121 had been temporarily halted.

A Shell spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of a crew member on Valaris 121, which was working at our Shearwater platform in the North Sea.

"We are providing support to Valaris following the incident.

"Our thoughts are very much with the crew member's family and colleagues."

The incident happened on the Valaris 121

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Mr Hulse's family pay for his funeral costs.

A statement on the page said: "Tragically and very suddenly, Lee has lost his life.

"Leaving behind his family that loved him the most. No family, partner or friends are ever prepared for this type of loss.

"Lee always looked after his family and all his friends. So this is our turn to make sure we look after him and give him the best send off that he deserves."

Aberdeen's White Cockade Football Club said Mr Hulse had left behind an "incredible legacy" as the founder of the club.

A social media tribute read: "Lee made a difference. He'll be missed more than words can say. Rest in peace, mate."

In 2023, a 50-year-old worker went missing from the Valaris 121 in the North Sea. His body was never found.

Jason Thomas, who was from Wales, was reported missing from the Valaris 121, about 100 miles (160km) south east of Aberdeen, on 22 January 2023.

An investigation found a hole was discovered in the deck of the rig on the day he went missing.

The HSE said a grating was dislodged, putting workers at risk of falling through.