Forcenergy Inc. reported a blowout yesterday on an exploratorywell at West Cameron Block 317, located 65 miles south of LakeCharles, LA, in the Gulf of Mexico. The blowout occurred duringcompletion operations, but it has not ignited. All personnel havebeen safely evacuated from the Marine Drilling Rig No. 4.Forcenergy has notified all of the proper governmental authoritiesand is cooperating fully with each respective agency.

The blowout is dry gas with no liquids and no pollution observedat this time, the company said. Well control specialists, includingBoots & Coots, are en route to the location to beginpreparations to bring the well under control. Marine Drilling,based in Sugar Land, TX, owns the jack-up rig involved in theblowout.

Because it was an exploratory well, Russ Porter, a Forcenergyspokesman, said there are no estimates as to how much gas the wellcould produce. In addition, the situation is still being playedout, Porter said, so cost estimates on fixing the problem are notavailable either.

“Right now, we expect to be able to recover the well,” Portersaid. “There is a breeze blowing away from the rig and Boots &Coots is on the way as we speak. Hopefully, this will just be asmall incident.” He added that work on containing the blowout isscheduled to start at first light today. Work did not start lastnight because of risks involving lightning.

Forcenergy Inc. is an independent exploration and productioncompany engaged in the exploration, acquisition, development andproduction of crude oil and natural gas. Forcenergy’s primary areasof operations are the Gulf of Mexico and Cook Inlet, AK.

The blowout is an addition to the problems that have plagued thecompany for the past year. In March of 1999, Forcenergy declaredbankruptcy. At the time, the company owed $315 million from a $320million credit facility as well as $50 to $60 million of payables tovendors. Last January, the company received confirmation of itsChapter 11 reorganization plan (see Daily GPI, Jan. 21).

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