I have just read your website dedicated to Scott Lafferty after Googling his name once again, to try to find out any more information about the circumstances surrounding his death. I did not expect to find such a beautiful and illuminating tribute to a man who was so hardworking, multi-talented, gentle and friendly. I am so grateful to you for publishing a story of his life.
I worked for SAGE Survey with Mike and Nigel. Although I don’t remember having anything to do with Scott back in the nineties, I was aware of him being highly respected by them. As a Party Chief at their subsequent company GEMS Survey I had the pleasure of having Scott on my team as probably the most highly qualified survey engineer anyone in this industry could wish for.
We went to Al Khafji in Saudi Arabia, in 2005. There wasn’t much to do for entertainment there, the most excitement we had as a team was visiting the local supermarket which had an enormous stand selling every kind of nut you could imagine. Scott absolutely loved the nut stand and brought bags of them back to the ship at every opportunity.
Scott’s job on board was to look after the survey equipment but it soon became clear he had a deep knowledge of every aspect of seamanship as well. He was very handy to have around and I liked him. I had a lot of respect for Scott and he seemed to trust me and confided in me to some extent when I later became a project manager in the same company. Scott was frequently embedded in my survey teams and I again felt privileged to have this man on board and in my team. It is fair to say his bone deep knowledge of everything to do with offshore survey was not always welcomed and appreciated by his ship mates. It must have been jealousy because the Scott I knew was a humble man, happy to share knowledge, chock full of stories.
After GEMS folded in 2012, I moved on and never heard from Scott again. Last year I was reading the local newspaper and saw a headline along the lines of ‘American in Bath found stabbed in his flat’. Well there must be lots of Americans in Bath, I thought, but my mind drifted to Scott and sure enough my worst fears were realised. I felt really sad, especially when the circumstances became clearer. What a terrible shame. Everyone I have spoken to about this is in shock.
I had a real soft spot for Scott and finding your website with the stories of his life was lovely. I had heard some of them before from Scott, only told at 100 mph! I’m sorry for your loss and for everyone else who will continue to miss Scott. I thought one day I would meet up with him again as I’m still working offshore. I am sad that won’t happen but it’s nice what you have done. If I can help with anything let me know, as when I’m at home I live only 10 miles from Bath.