A worker has died while on duty aboard the jack-up drilling rig Valaris 121 in the UK sector of the North Sea, approximately 225 kilometres east of Aberdeen.
The man has been identified as 32-year-old Lee Hulse. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 14 November. According to initial reports, he is believed to have fallen from a crane and suffered fatal injuries.
An investigation into the circumstances of his death is already under way, and Valaris has temporarily suspended operations on the rig following the incident.
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that it will be investigating the case jointly with Police Scotland. Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
In a company statement, Valaris said:
“Next of kin have been informed, and Valaris is providing support to them at this difficult time. All other crew members who were on board Valaris 121 at the time of the incident have been safely accounted for.”
At the time of the incident, Valaris 121 was operating for Shell. The contract with the energy major began in January 2025 and was initially due to run until February 2026. In October, Shell extended the contract to August 2026, with the rig scheduled to remain in the UK sector of the North Sea for the duration.
Shell also issued a statement expressing its condolences:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of a crew member from Valaris 121 who was working on our Shearwater platform in the North Sea. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and colleagues of the deceased crew member.”
