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

Originally, 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 NGI, Oct. 7).

The company said last week 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.

After being able to conduct underwater surveys, Rowan 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!”

In related news, Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. said Tuesday that its semisubmersible Ocean Lexington drilling unit, which parted its moorings during Hurricane Lili, has been towed back to its original, pre-storm location and is preparing to recommence operations.

The company added that a top-side inspection and an underwater examination of the lower hulls has determined that the rig is undamaged. The company had earlier reported that Lili detached Ocean Lexington from its moorings and blew the drilling rig 45 miles before it grounded in 35 feet of water offshore Louisiana.

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