

Leaping From a Burning Oil Rig: Piper Alpha Down
Mar 13, 2025
Joe Meanen, an offshore oil worker and survivor of the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, shares his gripping tale of survival amid chaos. He vividly recounts the moments leading up to the catastrophic explosion and the desperate choices he faced to escape the inferno. Joe reflects on the camaraderie among workers before disaster struck and the harrowing scramble for safety amidst smoke and flames. His story highlights the profound emotional and physical toll of the tragedy, emphasizing the need for better safety measures in the oil industry.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Intro
00:00 • 4min
Survival on the Piper Alpha
04:13 • 9min
A Night of Camaraderie Before the Storm
13:22 • 3min
Descent into Chaos
16:25 • 12min
Desperation Amidst the Inferno
28:15 • 3min
Survival Amidst Chaos
31:35 • 12min
Surviving the Flames: A Journey from Rescue to Recovery
43:10 • 3min
Resilience After Piper Alpha
45:42 • 6min
Reflections on Safety and Looming Dangers
51:23 • 3min