Offshore worker Robbie Robson was bludgeoned to death on an oil rig. Was it a random attack or does the industry have questions to answer?
When the contractor started a two-month job in the Persian Gulf, he said it was his final lengthy posting. Six weeks later, he was dead, and a co-worker charged with his murder. Now his partner is struggling to make sense of what happened
In October 2022, Robbie Robson, 38, a British offshore worker, travelled to Qatar for an eight-week contract in the oilfields of the Persian Gulf. Robson was handsome, ambitious, and determined to do well by his family. The job was an attractive opportunity: after years working on vessels, and as a pipelayer, he was pursuing safer and more lucrative positions piloting the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that are used to monitor underwater structures. It was a long stint away, but at least he’d be back to enjoy Christmas in South Tyneside with his partner, Kristie Graham, 39, her daughter Willow, 10, and Sefa, their 17-month-old son, in the new house they’d just bought.
Until then, his home would be the Seafox Burj, a three-legged jack-up rig planted in the shallow waters of the Al-Shaheen oil field, 80km from land. Robson hated being away, but stayed connected to Graham and his friends over WhatsApp. From his vantage point in the middle of the Gulf, he’d take photos of dramatic sunsets and send them to Graham. It was a window into the strange world of offshore workers and a sign, for her, of the way he could always find the positive in any situation.
Continue reading...-
I'm a psychologist who studies couples—the ones who can answer these 5 questions have happier relationships than most
Most couples think they know each other well, but real intimacy is a lot more than just knowing their favorite foods, color or TV shows. A psychologist reveals the five questions that reveal a ...CNBC - 4d -
NBA trade deadline reactions: Answering the biggest questions
What should we expect in the offseason and which star is on the move next? Our insiders break it down.ESPN - Feb. 8 -
The 10 biggest questions to be answered before Selection Sunday
Could the SEC actually claim all four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament? Or break the record for the most bids from one league? Let's dive in.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Teen arrested after chilli oil attack at Costco
A boy is arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and remains in custody.BBC News - 2d -
Trump picks oil industry vets for key posts at energy, environment agencies
President Trump has selected people with significant ties to oil and other industries for key posts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Interior Department, according to the ...The Hill - Feb. 12 -
Trump picks oil industry vets for key posts in energy, environment
{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Trump picks oil industry vets for key posts in energy, environment President Trump has selected people with significant ties to ...The Hill - Feb. 12 -
The Gaming Industry Reacts To The Death Of Duo, The Duolingo Mascot
Language-learning app Duolingo has sadly confirmed that its owl mascot has died. In a social media post, the company confirmed the expiration of Duo, the little green owl. "It is with heavy hearts ...GameSpot - Feb. 12 -
How undocumented workers support America's dairy industry
President Trump spent much of his campaign vowing "mass deportations" of undocumented immigrants, and the first weeks of his term have been marked by public displays of immigration enforcement. It ...CBS News - 5d -
Family of fatally shot man 'will never have answers'
Marius Ciolac's sister spoke to the BBC following the conclusion of his inquest.BBC News - 6d
More from The Guardian
-
Trump ‘very frustrated’ with Zelenskyy for allegedly failing to ‘take opportunity’ of US-brokered peace – live
US national security adviser claims Ukrainian president has failed to ‘come to the table’ despite not being invited to Russia-US talks this week. Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US ...The Guardian - 7m -
‘One of the hardest days’ in Israel as Hamas hands over hostages’ bodies
Remains of two young children, their mother and an elderly man arrive in Tel Aviv after ‘cruel’ handover in Gaza. The remains of two young children, their mother, and an elderly man taken hostage ...The Guardian - 2h -
Trump appears to agree to cut checks to Americans to share portion of savings from Doge cost-cutting
‘Department of government efficiency’ head Elon Musk suggested $5,000 checks to US households if targets met. Donald Trump has appeared to embrace a proposal to share a portion of the cuts in US ...The Guardian - 2h -
US Senate narrowly confirms Kash Patel as next FBI director
Key Trump ally, who aligns with US president on range of issues, wins confirmation in 51-49 Senate vote. The US Senate has confirmed Kash Patel as the next FBI director, handing oversight of ...The Guardian - 31m -
Americans’ confidence in air travel falls after string of plane crashes, poll shows
Survey indicates 64% of Americans believe flying is safe, down from 71% who said so last year. Americans’ confidence in aviation has slipped following a string of plane crashes in 2025, according ...The Guardian - 1h
More in World
-
Trump Cuts Protections for Haitians, Putting Them on Track for Deportation
The decision is the latest in President Trump’s sweeping crackdown on immigrants, including people whom the Biden administration had authorized to remain in the country.The New York Times - 7m -
Trump ‘very frustrated’ with Zelenskyy for allegedly failing to ‘take opportunity’ of US-brokered peace – live
US national security adviser claims Ukrainian president has failed to ‘come to the table’ despite not being invited to Russia-US talks this week. Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US ...The Guardian - 7m -
Europa League playoffs: Roma v Porto, Galatasaray v AZ and more – live
Europa League updates from around the grounds Live scoreboard | Read Football Daily | And mail Rob 45 min: Roma 2-1 Porto (agg: 3-2) Roma almost scored a third a moment ago, with a shot ...The Guardian - 10m -
Vance poses immigration as ‘greatest threat’ to US and Europe in CPAC speech
Vice-president also reaffirmed the administration’s Ukraine stance at largest conservative voters conference. US politics live – latest updates JD Vance marked one month since the Trump ...The Guardian - 30m -
US Senate narrowly confirms Kash Patel as next FBI director
Key Trump ally, who aligns with US president on range of issues, wins confirmation in 51-49 Senate vote. The US Senate has confirmed Kash Patel as the next FBI director, handing oversight of ...The Guardian - 31m