On 5 November 1983, a catastrophic pressure change on the Byford Dolphin oil rig in the North Sea killed five divers instantly and left one with life-changing injuries. The crew were performing routine maintenance at a depth of 295 feet when the accident occurred.
The diving team had just finished a 12-hour shift and ascended to the surface using a diving bell. The bell was meant to be reconnected to pressurised chambers, but a clamp was released prematurely before full depressurisation. This caused the chamber system to suddenly switch from high pressure to surface air pressure.
The rapid pressure change had devastating effects. Three divers—Roy Lucas, 38, Edwin Coward, 36, and Bjorn Giaever, 29—died instantly as dissolved nitrogen in their blood reverted to gas, solidifying in their arteries and organs. Their bodies disintegrated into fragments. William Crammond, 33, was crushed to death by the diving bell as it was propelled violently. Truls Hellevik, 34, was nearest to the connecting door and was forced through a 24-inch gap with 25 tons of force, causing his organs to explode from his body.
Martin Saunders, 30, was the sole survivor, though he suffered collapsed lungs, back fractures, and a broken neck after being partially crushed by the 4,000 kg diving bell. The exact cause of the incident remains unclear.
