In 2016, I was stationed on the Troll A platform in the North Sea, one of the tallest structures ever moved by mankind. It was a typical day on the rig, with the usual hum of machinery and the steady rhythm of the waves. We were all focused on our tasks when something extraordinary happened.
Around noon, during a break, a few of us were out on the deck, enjoying the rare bit of sunshine. Suddenly, someone pointed towards the horizon, shouting excitedly. We all turned to see what the commotion was about and couldn't believe our eyes—a pod of whales was approaching the rig. As they got closer, we could see it was a group of humpback whales. They seemed curious about the rig, and for the next hour, they swam around it, breaching and slapping their tails against the water. It was an incredible sight, one that none of us had ever seen before in our time on the platform.
The crew gathered to watch, snapping photos and videos, everyone in awe of these magnificent creatures. The whales put on a show, almost as if they were playing for us. It was a moment of pure magic, a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, even in such an industrial setting.
We learned later that the North Sea is a migratory route for humpback whales, but sightings near oil rigs are rare. This encounter left a lasting impression on all of us. It was a welcome break from the routine and a powerful reminder of the coexistence of nature and industry.