A man who was allegedly bludgeoned to death on an oil rig off the coast of Qatar is from the North East.
Robert Robson died on Monday after an alleged attack on board the Seafox Burj rig. The 38-year-old, of Tyne and Wear, has been described as "one of a kind" by his heartbroken family.
Daily Record reports how his colleague Scott Forrest, 43, is accused of attacking him with a breathing apparatus tank before assaulting a second co-worker, Christopher Begley, 38.
Read more: Youngsters spotted on frozen Killingworth Lake just days after Solihull tragedy
In a tribute to Robert, his family said: "Robbie was an amazing, one-of-a-kind, beautiful soul. He was a loving partner, dad, son, brother and uncle who was tragically taken too soon.
"He was an irreplaceable friend to many, and Robbie will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. As a family, we request privacy at this time."
It is alleged Forrest, from Maud in Aberdeenshire, attempted to hide Robert's body. It is further claimed he attacked fellow Scot Chris When he stumbled across the scene.
Forrest is now being held by the authorities in the Middle East. On Thursday, a relative of Forrest’s said: "We’re shocked. We’ve not had any contact with Scott at all since it happened."
All three men involved in the horror incident were contractors for Film-Ocean, based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Earlier this week Chris' father Dennis told the Record his son was the victim of a "completely unprovoked attack".
Chris, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, was rushed to hospital after he was hurt in the incident at the Al Shaheen oil field. He has now safely returned to Scotland.
Workers have since condemned conditions onboard the Seafox Burj rig in wake of the tragedy. Many slammed the facilities and lack of space onboard the rig as others said working hours were far too long.
In a statement, Film-Ocean Ltd said: "Film-Ocean Ltd can regretfully confirm one person has been fatally wounded and another has been injured following a non-work related incident on an offshore installation off Qatar.
"A third person has been taken into police custody and is assisting Qatari authorities with their inquiries.
"The injured worker received treatment in hospital in Qatar, but has since been released. The next of kin of those involved have been informed, and the company is working to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
"All three personnel were contracted to Film-Ocean and were working on the platform at the time of the incident, which was reported around 0140hrs Arabia Standard Time on Monday, December 12.
"Film-Ocean is liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as other stakeholders, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident."
Read more:
