GlobalSantaFe Assists Crew From Offshore Rig in Mediterranean

Houston-based offshore drilling contractor GlobalSantaFe Corporation reported that an 84-person crew was evacuated from one of its offshore drilling rigs that encountered a severe storm in the Mediterranean Sea offshore Israel. The Italian Navy and U.S. Navy responded to the company's request to assist in evacuation efforts.

The offshore drilling rig remains afloat approximately 50 miles offshore Israel. At the time of the storm, the rig, named Key Singapore, was in the process of moving to a new location offshore Egypt. An unexpected severe storm caused two of the three tugboats moving the rig to lose their towline connections. Four tugboats are currently on location, with one still attached to the rig.

At this time, GlobalSantaFe said that it does not know of any significant damage to the rig. Previous media coverage erroneously reported the rig had sunk.

"GlobalSantaFe sincerely appreciates the assistance of the members of the Italian Navy and U.S. Navy," Jon Marshall, GlobalSantaFe executive vice president and chief operating officer, said.