Missing platform search man named

The worker has gone missing from the Beryl Alpha platform

An air and sea search for a worker who disappeared from a North Sea oil platform has been stood down.

The search began on the Beryl Alpha just after 0300 BST when it was discovered Martin Lindsay, 51, from Teesside, was missing.

A coastguard helicopter from Sumburgh and vessels searched the area, 90 miles east of Shetland, and platform operator Exxon Mobil searched the platform.

A remotely-operated underwater vehicle has now been looking under the rig.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues to whom we will continue to provide support and assistance during this difficult time Petrofac

Mr Lindsay, who was last seen at midnight, is not thought to have been wearing survival gear.

He works for Aberdeen-based Petrofac.

A Grampian Police spokesperson said: "Mr Lindsay's family are extremely anxious and worried."

Police have been speaking to Mr Lindsay's friends and work colleagues.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

A Petrofac spokesperson said: "Mr Lindsay, who is a production operator and has been with Petrofac for four years, is one of 90 Petrofac personnel on the Beryl Alpha facility where the company provides maintenance and operations personnel to its customer, Exxon Mobil.

"Petrofac is working with its customer and the authorities involved in the search for Mr Lindsay. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues to whom we will continue to provide support and assistance during this difficult time."

The initial search operation was co-ordinated by Aberdeen Coastguard.

A coastguard spokesman said there had been good visibility.

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