Martin ‘Paddy’ Loughney

SWAIS2C mourns the loss of driller Martin ‘Paddy’ Loughney. Paddy was based in Buckinghamshire, one of London’s home counties, but worked on international drilling projects, mostly for Webster Drilling and Exploration.

He recently worked on ground-source heating projects in the UK and other European countries, conducted seismic surveys for the oil and gas industry in Oman, and spent several weeks working in 38°C heat in Papua New Guinea before travelling to Antarctica.

The SWAIS2C project was Martin’s first season in Antarctica and his first involvement with scientific drilling. He had been wanting to work in Antarctica for some time and had hoped to be back. His enthusiasm for the project and his skill were amazing to watch. The entire SWAIS2C team sends their condolences to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.