ONE OF 61
A real survival story from Piper Alpha —
and the lessons that still save lives today.
ABOUT JOE MEANEN
Joe Meanen is one of the 61 survivors of the Piper Alpha disaster, the world’s worst offshore oil tragedy.
Through his presentation, he shares a first-hand account of the events of that night, the decisions made under extreme pressure, and the lasting impact such disasters have on individuals and organisations.
His story also addresses the long-term effects of trauma, including PTSD, and how he managed life after the event — delivering powerful lessons that continue to shape safety culture today.
WHAT THE PRESENTATION COVERS

Photo: Bob Embleton (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Real Events
A first-hand account of Piper Alpha

Decision Making
The pressure, judgement, and choices made in critical moments

Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Modern Lessons
How the industry has changed — and the lessons still applied today