Man who died on oil rig was amazing, says family

Robert Robson (pictured with his partner Kristie Graham) was one-of-a-kind according to his family

A British man who died on an oil rig off Qatar was "one of a kind", his family has said.

Robert Robson, 38, from the Tyne and Wear area, died in an unspecified non-work-related incident at an offshore platform on Monday.

Two other British men were said to be involved, one of whom was injured and transported to the UK and the other detained by Qatari authorities.

All three were contracted to Film-Ocean.

They were working for the part Qatari state-owned North Oil Company on the the Seafox Burj rig.

In a statement, Mr Robson's family said: "Robbie was an amazing, one-of-a-kind, beautiful soul.

"He was a loving partner, dad, son, brother and uncle who was tragically taken too soon.

"He was an irreplaceable friend to many, and Robbie will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him."

It was initially reported Mr Robson was from Scotland.

A spokesman for Film-Ocean said: "The next-of-kin of those involved have been informed, and the company is working to ensure they receive the appropriate support."

The incident happened at about 01:40 Arabia Standard Time, the firm said, adding: "Film-Ocean is liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as well as other stakeholders, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

A FCDO spokeswoman said: "We are supporting the families of a British man who has died and a man who has been injured in Qatar and are in contact with the local authorities."