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A PIPER Alpha hero who helped save the lives of three oil workers during the 1988 oil rig disaster has said he will sell his Queen’s Gallantry Medal at auction to ensure the events are not forgotten. Merchant Navy captain Ian MacKay was awarded the medal for his bravery during the tragedy on July 6, 1988 in which 167 men lost their lives. He and two crew members of the diving support vessel, Lowland Cavalier, spent eight hours searching for survivors in a small fibreglass workboat. Braving intense heat, explosions and falling debris, they saved three of Piper Alpha’s crew. Mr MacKay, 68, who suffered burns to his nose, hand and right eye. said he is selling the emotive medal as he wants “the Piper Alpha story to be remembered”. ....