Inquiry into COVID-19 death of Aberdeen oil rig worker airlifted from platform launched

A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the COVID-19-related death of an Aberdeen oil rig worker has been launched.

Donald Singer was airlifted from the Ninian Southern Platform by a Search and Rescue helicopter after his condition worsened on April 3, 2020.

The 66-year-old crane operator died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on May 4, 2020.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has undertaken to investigate more than 6,000 COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic, however, this is the first discretionary FAI ordered.

A discretionary hearing occurs when the Lord Advocate decides that a death raises serious public concern and that an inquiry is in the public interest. 

There have been two mandatory FAI completed into the deaths of four men from COVID-19 in legal custody with a further five inquiries ongoing into the deaths of eight men.

A preliminary hearing into Mr Singer’s death will be held on December 12, 2025 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. 

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “Thousands of families lost loved ones during the pandemic, and we undertook the single most significant and challenging investigation of deaths in Scottish history. 

“We remain committed to thorough, professional and independent investigations into every reported death, providing bereaved families with answers and supporting public understanding of the pandemic’s impact.  

“As the first discretionary FAI, this is a milestone as we work to establish a better understanding of these deaths and inform decisions made in the future.”  