After claiming last week that Hurricane Lili had sunk one of its rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, Rowan Companies Inc. said Monday that a closer look reveals that the Rowan-Houston was involved in a “collision” resulting in the rig sinking. The company said the investigation is ongoing.

Last Friday, Houston-based Rowan said an aerial survey of its 22 rigs in the Gulf found that its Rowan-Houston rig had apparently capsized during Lili in approximately 105 feet of water in Ship Shoal Block 207, offshore Louisiana (see Daily GPI, Oct. 7).

The company said Monday that the rig was jacked up adjacent to a production platform when the accident occurred. On Oct. 1, the rig was secured and evacuated for Hurricane Lili, and the hull was 63 feet above water. On Oct. 4, Rowan said portions of the rig, including the hull, were located approximately 1,750 feet northwest of the pre-storm location.

Over the weekend, Rowan was able to conduct underwater surveys that confirmed that the stern of the rig’s hull was resting on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, with the bow elevated at approximately 30 degrees. The legs, which were severed below the hull, remain elevated at the original location. The company said the port side of the hull near the bow is severely damaged, indicating a collision had occurred.

In the coming weeks, Rowan said it will be developing a plan for wreckage removal, investigating to determine “who done it,” and preparing for the “anticipated litigation — Big Time!”

Rowan is a major provider of international and domestic offshore contract drilling and aviation services.

©Copyright 2002 Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news report may not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in any form, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.