Alexander L. Kielland - accident

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum had the pleasure of working with Kian on the documentation project about the Kielland accident at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which has spanned over three years and is now in its concluding phase. Without Kian Reme, this project would hardly have been realised. Kian was a fearless and decisive man, always available when needed. He was never afraid to voice his opinion and always followed his convictions, but he could also listen, change his mind, and help find compromises. In the documentation project, project manager Else Tungland and Kian made two trips together to the United Kingdom, where they met British bereaved families. Here, many relatives expressed that the contact with Kian and the Kielland Foundation was the only follow-up they had received after the accident. Some had saved these newsletters for over 40 years. The newsletters from the Kielland Foundation and most of the archives of Kian’s work on the Kielland case are now available in the Digital Archive. This is an impressive amount of documents that testify to his determination and tireless efforts. In recent years, he also wrote two books, both of which testify to his dedication and engagement in the Kielland case, with the questions he still wanted answers to documented. Kian Reme has left a lasting legacy. He will be remembered as a pillar who stood up for others. Our thoughts go out to Kian’s family and relatives. Björn Lindberg, Acting Museum Director, Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Andreas Middelthon’s final assignment as a police magistrate at Stavanger Police Station turned out differently than he had imagined. Just days before he was to start a new job at Phillips Petroleum, he receives a phone call. It’s March 27, 1980, and what should have been a quiet Thursday evening at home in Tasta unfolds into one of the most hectic days he has ever experienced. The accommodation rig Alexander L. Kielland has capsized in the North Sea. Andreas Middelthon becomes involved both in the rescue operation as a police magistrate and later as a lawyer at Phillips Petroleum. He was also the leader of the committee that erected the monument “Broken Link” in memory of those who perished on the Kielland. This has now been made into a book. The book is a valuable contribution to the history of the Alexander Kielland disaster and is written at the request of the project manager for the documentation project on the accident at the Norwegian Oil Museum. The book was launched on March 21, 2024 at the Norwegian Oil Museum, an event that drew significant interest with over 100 attendees. Bereaved in front of the monument. (Photo by: Siv Sivertsen) Andreas not only wrote a book about a memorial but also incorporates personal experiences and reflections on grief processes and support for the bereaved. The book is illustrated with photographs by Stavanger photographer Siv Sivertsen, images that strongly contribute to the story. “Broken Link” at Smiodden has become a much-visited site. It lies beautifully in the landscape in an area well suited for weekend trips. For some, this is a reminder of loved ones who passed away, a symbol of shattered dreams and lives that had to be anchored anew. For others, it is a reminder of our vulnerability and the necessity of continuing to focus on health and safety. The monument can be understood in many ways and interpreted in different directions. Here, everyone can have their own opinion. Unlike many other aspects of the Kielland case, there has been little controversy surrounding the “Broken Link” memorial. Just this fact alone is worth a book, according to the author. Here you can read more and buy the book (unfortunately only in Norwegian): www.bokstavforlag.no Five stars at Ark.no: “It’s impossible not to be touched.” Gaute Brækken.

On the 27th of March 2024, it was 44 years since the Alexander L. Kielland disaster claimed the lives of 123 men. The tragedy still evokes strong emotions, not only among those who survived and lost loved ones, but also among colleagues, rescue personnel, and other involved parties. There were men from several nations on the Kielland rig when it capsized, including 34 Britons. Relatives and survivors in the United Kingdom have now formed their own network, called “The Kielland Family.” They came into contact with each other after being traced and visited from Norway[REMOVE]Fotnote: In 2022, the documentation project organized two trips to the UK in collaboration with the Kielland network. On one of the trips, two students from the University of Stavanger also participated. BBC is currently producing a documentary about the incident aimed at British viewers, scheduled to air during Easter. In connection with this, BBC visited Stavanger in March, along with Wayne Hunter and Laura Fleming, both of whom lost their fathers in the disaster. Read the BBC article about this here.