The helicopter plunged head-first into the waves. The window next to me imploded and sea water rushed in
I was 30 and working as a geologist. Part of my training was to visit a small semi-submersible exploration oil rig in the North Sea, where I analysed rock cuttings and helped determine if the well had discovered oil or gas.
It was November 10 1988. The day was sunny, but the sea was rough, with huge waves. I’d been to that rig two or three times before, but this trip was to be my last before returning to office duties in London. I’d been there for 10 days, so I was ready to get back to dry land.