Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story: Full TV Schedule and Live Stream

On 6 July 1988, fire engulfed Piper Alpha, killing 167 men. With dramatic testimony and emotional interviews, this is the minute-by-minute story of that night and the search for truth.

Upcoming on Live TV

Repeats
Channel Episode Time
Repeat
Series 1 · 1. The Golden Ticket
Series 1: 1. The Golden Ticket
Told through the testimony of rig workers and their families back home, this is the minute-by-minute story of how the 1980s oil boom turned to disaster when Piper Alpha exploded.
⏱ 59 mins
Your Time
Sun 17 May · 20:00
UK
Sun 17 May · 20:00
Channel
Repeat
Episode
Series 1 · 1. The Golden Ticket
Told through the testimony of rig workers and their families back home, this is the minute-by-minute story of how the 1980s oil boom turned to disaster when Piper Alpha exploded.
⏱ 59 mins
Time
Your Time
Sun 17 May · 20:00
UK
Sun 17 May · 20:00

Available for Streaming

Series 1 1. The Golden Ticket

1. The Golden Ticket

Told through the testimony of rig workers and their families back home, this is the minute-by-minute story of how the 1980s oil boom turned to disaster when Piper Alpha exploded.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 9pm 24 Aug 2025
Availability: Available for over a year (until 24 Aug 2031)
Series 1 2. Dark Cloud over Aberdeen

2. Dark Cloud over Aberdeen

Piper Alpha burns, and the platform begins to collapse. With 167 men dead and just a handful of survivors, grief turns to fury, and the fight for justice begins back home.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 24 Aug 2025
Availability: Available for over a year (until 24 Aug 2031)
Series 1 3. The Perfect Storm

3. The Perfect Storm

With Piper Alpha gone, survivors’ evidence becomes key to the truth. The inquiry reveals fatal errors, ignored warnings and failed systems. Will there be justice?
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 24 Aug 2025
Availability: Available for over a year (until 24 Aug 2031)

Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story FAQs

When is Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story next on?

The next broadcast of Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story airs at Sun 17 May · 20:00(UK: Sun 17 May · 20:00) on BBC Scotland.

Which channel is Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story next on?

Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story returns on BBC Scotland next. Check the listings above for every upcoming airing.

When will Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story be available on iPlayer?

Episodes land on BBC iPlayer just after the show finishes airing. Use the streaming section above to jump in as soon as it drops.

View Disaster at Sea: The Piper Alpha Story on BBC