A son's memoir follows journey from grief to public action after Piper Alpha disaster

Shane Gorman has released a memoir titled "Through the Flames: Piper Alpha – A Son's Journey," detailing his personal journey from grief to advocacy following the loss of his father David in the Piper Alpha disaster.

On 6th July 1988, the oil platform exploded in the North Sea, claiming 167 lives, including David Gorman. Shane, recently having joined the British Army, was only 18 when the tragedy occurred.

Life Before and After Piper Alpha

The book recounts Shane's life before and after the world's worst offshore disaster, highlighting the instability of his childhood, marked by family upheaval and the steady presence of his father, a skilled mechanic who became a central figure in his life.

Following the explosion, Shane experienced years of trauma and identity struggles, including time spent in military prison.

However, his memoir is ultimately a testament to recovery, detailing how friends, music, travel, and fatherhood contributed to his healing process.

Advocacy and Legacy

Building a global career in offshore safety, Shane now advocates passionately for safety within the industry.

Reflecting on the memoir, Shane says : “My dad was an extraordinary man — and Piper Alpha didn't just take him, it shaped everything that came after. Writing this book was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was also necessary. Not just for me, but for every family who has lived in the shadow of an industrial disaster and never quite had the words for what that feels like. I hope this tells that story.”

The memoir provides a unique perspective on the lasting impact of industrial tragedies, emphasising the human cost of decisions made in the name of industry, and the power of transforming tragedy into purpose.

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