How an offshore worker's safety-first mindset saved a colleague’s life
Drilling engineer Siri's quick and decisive action helped ensure the survival of crew member Svein's when he suffered a brain haemorrhage while offshore
As a leading oil and gas company, safety is vital, we maintain emergency-preparedness processes, investigate all process safety events and champion experienced staff such as Siri and her teammates
Siri’s actions were also recognised with a ‘CEO Safety Award’ in 2025. Watch the remarkable story below
It began like any other Saturday.
On board the Transocean Norge drilling rig the crew had gathered in the common room to play bingo and unwind after their shift.
At first nothing seemed unusual. But gradually co-workers noticed that Svein, an Oceaneering Supervisor, did not quite seem himself.
He was quieter than usual and struggling to keep up with the numbers. Svein reassured his colleagues that he was fine, putting his distraction down to a headache.
When the game ended, Siri hung back to chat with him. She quickly grew concerned as Svein struggled to finish his sentences and was pronouncing words unusually.
Then, when Svein said he wanted to go to his cabin to rest, Siri acted on her instincts and insisted that he accompany her to see the medic instead.
In the rig’s hospital ward, the nurse asked Svein to repeat a Norwegian tongue twister ‘Russiske ripsbærbusker’, which translates as ‘Russian redcurrant bushes’ in English, to assess his speech.
When he was unable to do so, Svein realised for the first time that something was seriously wrong. Seconds after the nurse asked Svein to lie down on the hospital bed, he went into severe convulsions.
Immediately, Siri and the nurse activated the alarm. Within moments, the first-aid team arrived. They gave Svein urgent respiratory support before he was flown by search and rescue helicopter to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.
“I am so aware that I am alive because of what she did,” said Svein recalling Siri’s actions. “It gives her a special place in my heart.”
When it comes to safety, persistence pays
It was later discovered that Svein had suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage. However, Siri’s persistence, combined with the swift response of offshore medical personnel, helped to save his life. Svein received the urgent treatment that he needed and made a full recovery.
“It makes me feel emotional to think about it”, Siri said. “I remember not knowing if he was alive or dead.”
That experience has now created a unique bond between Siri and Svein, who remain friends and regularly make time to catch up.
Bringing Harbour’s values to life
As colleagues in Harbour’s Norway business unit, Siri and Svein are part of our largest producing hub. Norway generated 169 kboepd in 2025 and remains central to Harbour’s strategy as a long-term producer of competitive, low-emissions barrels.
That goal can only be achieved if people like Siri and Svein continue to live Harbour’s values of ‘we care’ and ‘we work together’. Their story provides a powerful reminder that safety is not only about operations and equipment, but also about looking out for one another and acting when something doesn’t feel right.
Every day, our world-class team strives to uphold the highest safety standards as Harbour delivers the energy the world needs safely and responsibly.