Three Transocean Rigs Suffer Minor Damage from Gustav

Transocean has completed preliminary inspections of its three moored semisubmersible rigs that were in the path of Hurricane Gustav, Transocean spokesman Guy Cantwell said.  Two rigs suffered some damage as a result of the hurricane, and one had mooring-system damage. 

The Transocean Amirante, a third generation semisub rated for work in 3,500 feet of water, sustained damage to its pre-set mooring.  The rig is mobilizing to Mobile, Alabama were it will wait out Hurricane Ike.  Once Ike passes, a more complete damage assessment will be made. 

The Transocean Marianas, a fourth generation semisub rated for work in 7,000 feet of water, sustained only minor damage and has been fully evacuated as a precaution ahead of Hurricane Ike. 

The Deepwater Nautilus, a fifth generation semisub rated for work in 8,000 feet of water, sustained moderate damage and is also in the process of being evacuated ahead of the upcoming hurricane.