The five artworks from the photo series “Pionerdykkere i Nordsjøen”, taken by the Norwegian photographer Fin Serck-Hanssen, were presented in the walking hall on Wednesday.
Tom Engh, who is one of the divers depicted in the series, took part in the event. He is the only one of the five portrayed who is still alive.
– I think it is very good that the divers are not just let down and forgotten. I think it is good that these pictures should hang in the Storting. It is brave of those who bought them in, and it was time, said Engh.
Also present during the presentation was the head of the Storting’s art committee, Torstein Tvedt Solberg (Ap). He stated that it is both appropriate and symbolic that the portraits are now hung on the walls of the National Assembly.
– The North Sea divers’ history has been long and painful. Not least, they had to go through a painful process to get a rightful compensation, said Solberg.
In 2013, the state of Norway was convicted in the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for insufficient information about the dangers of the work the divers carried out in the North Sea from 1965 to 1990. In 2002, the divers were awarded compensation of 40 G – an amount they themselves thought was too low.
Only in 2014 did a unanimous Storting issue an unreserved apology to the divers and an additional compensation of NOK 2.2 million.
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Interview with Tom Engh, Diver and Subject of “Pionerdykkere i Nordsjøen”
Interviewer: Tom, you’ve witnessed a significant moment in honoring the North Sea divers with the unveiling of these portraits at the Storting. What does it mean to you personally that these images are finally being recognized?
Tom Engh: It means a lot. It’s not just about the pictures; it’s about acknowledging the struggles we went through and ensuring we’re not forgotten. It’s a brave step for those who have brought these portraits into such an important space.
Interviewer: The head of the Storting’s art committee, Torstein Tvedt Solberg, mentioned the history of the North Sea divers being painful and requiring rightful compensation. How do you feel about the way your community has been treated throughout this process?
Tom Engh: It’s been a long journey. We fought hard for recognition, and the path to compensation was fraught with challenges. It’s frustrating to think about the lengths we had to go through just to get an apology and fair recognition.
Interviewer: Given that only one of the five divers portrayed is still alive, what message do you hope these portraits convey to future generations?
Tom Engh: I hope they serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by divers. It’s crucial that the next generation understands the risks associated with such work and the importance of respect and recognition in labor rights.
Interviewer: As the portraits now hang in the halls of the National Assembly, what do you think this means for the relationship between workers and the state?
Tom Engh: It signifies a recognition of past mistakes and a promise to listen to workers moving forward. It’s essential for the government to learn from our history to ensure better protection for all workers today.
Interviewer: Tom, considering the history and the recent recognition, do you believe it’s enough to ensure that divers receive the respect they deserve, or is this just a symbolic gesture?
Tom Engh: That’s a complex question. While it’s a significant step, I think it’s vital to keep pushing for ongoing support and better protection for all workers in hazardous professions.
Interviewer: Readers, do you think that hanging these portraits in the Storting is a substantial measure of respect for the North Sea divers, or is it merely a symbolic act that doesn’t address the real issues faced by workers today? We invite your thoughts on this matter.
The sacrifices made by the divers and the importance of their work. It’s crucial for future generations to understand the risks we faced and to appreciate the courage it takes to work in such dangerous environments. These portraits should inspire respect and honor for all those who came before us.
Interviewer: You mentioned the struggles of your community. How does it feel to finally have a formal acknowledgment, especially after the 2014 apology from the Storting?
Tom Engh: It feels validating. The apology was long overdue, but it gave us a sense of closure. Seeing these portraits in the National Assembly is another step towards ensuring that our sacrifices are recognized at the highest levels of society. It reminds us that our history matters and that it will not fade into obscurity.
Interviewer: Lastly, what do you envision for the future of the North Sea divers’ legacy?
Tom Engh: I hope that this recognition will lead to a deeper understanding of the risks faced by workers in hazardous professions. It’s essential that we advocate for safety and support for current and future divers. I want our legacy to ensure that no one else has to endure what we did.
