Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story
Season 1
Created by: Laura Blount
Network: BBC Scotland
Season aired: 2025-08-24
Overview
On 6 July 1988, fire engulfed Piper Alpha, killing 167 men. With dramatic testimony and emotional interviews, this is the minute-by-minute story of that night and the search for truth.
Episodes · 3
The Golden Ticket
Told through the testimony of rig workers and their families back home, this is the minute-by-minute story of how the 1980s oil boom turned to disaster when Piper Alpha exploded.
Dark Cloud over Aberdeen
Piper Alpha burns, and the platform begins to collapse. With 167 men dead and just a handful of survivors, grief turns to fury, and the fight for justice begins back home.
The Perfect Storm
With Piper Alpha gone, survivors’ evidence becomes key to the truth. The inquiry reveals fatal errors, ignored warnings and failed systems. Will there be justice?