Reviews & Ratings for the Valaris-121

A recent investigation by the UK's offshore safety regulator has shed light on a tragic incident that led to the death of 32-year-old Lee Hulse from Aberdeen. The incident occurred on November 14, 2025, while Hulse was working on the 'Valaris 121' rig, located off the coast of Aberdeen. According to the findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Hulse's death was directly linked to the removal of a crucial floor grating during a cleaning operation. On that fateful day, the cleaning was taking place in the cab of the port side aft crane when personnel removed the floor grating and failed to replace it afterward. This oversight left the external floor of the cab dangerously exposed. Tragically, when Hulse stepped onto the unprotected area, the flooring gave way beneath him, causing him to fall over 80 feet to his death. The HSE has since issued a citation to Valaris, indicating they had not adequately assessed the health and safety risks to employees during the cleaning process. This recent report adds significant details to the ongoing investigation, but it is important to note that the HSE continues to explore the circumstances surrounding this incident. This incident marks the second time that an issue with a missing deck grating has been linked to a fatal occurrence on the 'Valaris 121.' In January 2023, another worker, Jason Thomas, vanished from the rig while it was being towed. Following his disappearance, an inspection revealed a dislodged polymer grating, heightening concerns regarding worker safety due to tripping hazards or falls through openings in the decking. Although a union official suggested a connection between the missing grating and Thomas' disappearance, formal conclusions have yet to be reached. The HSE's findings have confirmed previous suspicions regarding safety measures on the rig. Jake Molloy, an official from the RMT offshore union, indicated early on that it appeared Thomas might have fallen through a gap in the gratings during the incident.