An offshore worker has died following an incident aboard a drilling rig operating in the North Sea, prompting a joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive into circumstances surrounding the fatality at one of Shell‘s major production platforms.
Lee Hulse, 32, from Aberdeen, died in the early hours of November 14, whilst working aboard the Valaris 121 jackup drilling rig at Shell’s Shearwater platform, located approximately 140 miles east of Aberdeen. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 4:40am, with Police Scotland confirming that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
According to reports, Mr Hulse is believed to have fallen to his death from a crane during drilling operations. The incident occurred just one week after he had celebrated his birthday.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: “Around 4.40am on Friday, November 14, 2025, we received a report of the death of a 32-year-old man on a drilling rig in the North Sea. The death is not being treated as suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal”.
Rig Operations Temporarily Suspended
Valaris, the offshore drilling contractor operating the rig, confirmed it has temporarily halted operations on the Valaris 121 following the fatal incident. The company stated: “Valaris regrets to inform that a crew member onboard its Valaris 121 jackup 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”.
Shell, which operates the Shearwater platform where the rig was working, expressed condolences in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the death of a crew member on Valaris 121, which was working at our Shearwater platform in the North Sea. We are providing support to Valaris following the incident. Our thoughts are very much with the crew member’s family and colleagues”.
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it would be conducting a full investigation alongside Police Scotland.
Community Response and Fundraising Efforts
Tributes have poured in for Mr Hulse from the Aberdeen community, with friends and family describing him as someone who “would go above and beyond for absolutely anyone”. He was the founder of White Cockade Football Club, a Sunday league side based in the Torry area of Aberdeen.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Mr Hulse’s family and ensure his daughter is “well looked after”. The fundraiser, which aims to cover funeral costs and provide support during the Christmas period, had raised over £16,000 by November 18.
Second Fatality on Valaris 121 in Two Years
This tragedy marks the second death aboard the Valaris 121 within a two-year period, raising questions about safety procedures on the installation. In January 2023, Jason Thomas, a 50-year-old worker from Wales, was reported missing from the rig whilst it was under tow approximately 100 miles south-east of Aberdeen. Despite a major search operation involving two oil supply vessels, a coastguard helicopter and aeroplane, Mr Thomas’s body was never recovered.
Following that incident, the Health and Safety Executive issued a safety alert after investigations revealed that grating on the rig had become dislodged, putting workers at risk of falling through the platform. The HSE determined that fasteners used to secure the grating had not been installed as recommended by manufacturers, and the safety organisation extended its alert not only to the oil and gas industry but also to wind generation units and seagoing vessels.
Investigation Continues
The joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive into Mr Hulse’s death remains ongoing, with findings expected to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including equipment, procedures, training, and compliance with safety regulations.
Industry observers note that such investigations typically take several months to complete and may result in recommendations for improved safety procedures or, in cases where negligence is found, potential criminal or regulatory proceedings.
The outcome of this investigation, combined with the earlier incident involving Jason Thomas, is likely to result in enhanced scrutiny of safety practices aboard the Valaris 121 and similar installations operating in the North Sea.
