UK supporting family of British man ‘bludgeoned’ to death on oil rig in Qatar
A British has been was killed on an oil rig in Qatar, the foreign office has confirmed, with police investigating it as a murder.
Qatari police opened a murder investigation after a Scottish worker for the France-based company Stapem Offshore.
He was later named as 38-year-old Robert Robson, of Tyne and Wear.
His family issued a statement saying he was a 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.”
He reportedly died after an altercation, with the Times reporting he had been “bludgeoned” to death. It said he was killed by a colleague and wrapped in a bed sheet.
His death was confirmed this morning by the foreign office, with colleagues saying all men involved in the incident were Scottish.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died and a man who has been injured in Qatar and are in contact with the local authorities.”
According to the Times, another worker said there had been a murder and attempted murder.
In a statement to Morning Wire “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.”
“The company will be making no further statement at this time, and the families of those involved have requested that their privacy is respected.”