BYFORD DOLPHIN DISASTER 05.11.1983
I was able to get the actual Police report for the Byford Dolphin accident last Friday. This document has eluded us until now. It was quite a revelation especially in light of what I have learned from those of you who were on the same job at different times. To put it succinctly, the inquest was a Witch Hunt. Therefore I think that is the primary reason the guys who were there have not come forward before now. They have been made to feel responsible even though all real evidence shows different. What I would like now is if you know any of the guys who were there or can think of any way to get into contact with them; please get them to contact me as soon as possible. The names listed here show the next of kin as listed in the police report as well as the last known address. Obviously these are out of date but I don’t know the UK very well and time is short.
Bjørn Giæver Bergesen; We are in contact with the family Truls Hellevik; We are in contact with the family Roy Lucas: We are in contact with the family Edwin Arthur Coward, We are in contact with the family William Brown Crammond We are in contact with the family Martin Andrew Saunders We are in contact Address Listed below are the last known as shown in the Police Report: The Superintendent was Arild Skisland. I had a very interesting discussion with the Divers Representative about the inquest; apparently they tried to place all of the blame on Skisland. Both the Comex representative and the Comex lawyer were aware of requests made for a bell inter-lock system and they did not give this evidence at the inquest. Due to budgetary cut backs it was decided by Comex that this equipment should not be supplied. Comex asked for special dispensation and received that dispensation from the NPD. Also onboard for Comex were the following personnel: Supervisor: Christopher Dobson L.S.S.: Graham Ernst Payne; We are in contact ALST: Burden, D. We are in contact Jones, Bernie: We are in contact Chris Patterson R. Eaegel A. Gautron Jan Holand, Andy Wheeler Supervisors and Superintendents on Byford Dolphin August to September 1983 Supervisor: Erik Evensen, Superintendent: Alan James Vince, we are in contact Superintendent: John Lawson Trotter, we are in contact We are working to find the all of personnel who were there at the time. Quite bluntly, they got shit on from a great height and understandably are reluctant to come forward. This is not a “Witch Hunt” but rather an honest attempt to find justice for all of the crew of the Byford Dolphin. We are now in contact with the following; for the sake of grief I would ask that no one contact them. As more contacts are made I will add to this list. I WILL NOT GIVE OUT INFORMATION ON ANYONE LISTED HERE TO ANYBODY • Roy Lucas; We are in touch with his family • Edwin Arthur Coward; We are in touch with his family • Arild Skisland: Superintendent on board • Alan Vince: Superintendent but not onboard at the time of the accident • John Lawson Trotter: Superintendent but not onboard at the time of the accident • Graham Payne: L.S.S. on shift at the time of the accident • Bernie Jones; Diver on board • Erik Evensen; Supervisor but not onboard at the time of the accident Thank you for your help in this extremely sensitive matter. Sincerely,