Investigation launched after man dies on North Sea drilling rig

An investigation has been launched into the death of an offshore worker on a drilling rig in the North Sea.

Lee Hulse, 32, died while working on the Valaris 121 oil platform off the coast of Aberdeen.

Police Scotland were called to a report of a death around 4:40am on Friday.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious," a spokesperson for the force said.

"The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

A spokesperson for Scotland's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: "We are aware of the incident and will be investigating alongside Police Scotland."

Local media said Mr Hulse died after falling from a crane.

A GoFundMe campaign to give Mr Hulse "the send off he deserves" had raised nearly £15,000 by Monday night.

"Tragically and very suddenly Lee has lost his life," the organiser of the fundraiser said. "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 and make sure his daughter is well looked after."

A spokesperson for Valaris told local media: "Valaris regrets to inform that a crew member onboard its Valaris 121 jack up drilling rig has sadly died as a result of an incident in the early hours of Friday November 14.

"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."

It said operations on the Valaris 121 had been temporarily halted.

(c) Sky News 2025: Investigation launched after man dies on North Sea drilling rig