HOUSTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- R&B Falcon Corporation (NYSE: FLC)
announced that the drillship "Deepwater Pathfinder" sustained damage earlier
today when 20 joints of the vessel's riser and its blowout prevention
equipment fell to the seabed in approximately 7,000 feet of water while
preparing to continue drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico offshore
Louisiana. None of the personnel aboard the drillship sustained any injury.
The drillship's top drive and travelling equipment sustained damage, and an
investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of damages sustained.
The marine integrity of the drillship was not affected. No environmental
damage resulted from the incident.
The "Deepwater Pathfinder" is operated under a long term bareboat charter
by Deepwater Drilling L.L.C., a limited liability company in which affiliates
of Conoco Inc. and R&B Falcon Corporation each own a 50% interest.
The Company believes that the physical damage insurance coverage and
business interruption insurance maintained by Deepwater Drilling L.L.C. on the
drillship is adequate and that the damages resulting from such loss will not
have a material adverse impact on the Company's business or financial
condition.
R&B Falcon Corporation operates the world's largest fleet of marine-based
drilling rigs servicing the international oil and gas industry. Its fleet is
composed of 135 marine-based drilling units including the industry's largest
fleets of barge and jackup rigs, and a fleet of semisubmersibles and
drillships which is among the most capable in the world. R&B Falcon also
provides turnkey and integrated services and operates mobile production
unites, internationally based land drilling rigs and an offshore towing
business.
SOURCE R&B Falcon Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.rbfalcon.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/118988.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 118988
CONTACT:
Charles R. Ofner of R&B Falcon Corporation,
281-496-5000
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