Bisso Salvages R&B Falcon Rig

Bisso Marine Co. Inc. recently salvaged the overturned R&B Falcon Rig 55. When Bisso salvage crews arrived at the rig, the vessel was at a 72-degree angle on its starboard side with the hull settled into the natural bottom 22 ft. The upper level drill floor penetrated below the mud line 8 ft.

After a complete survey of the situation, the salvage plan called for divers to hand-jet 4-ft. wide tunnels beneath the vessel. Next, 100-ft. steel straps were pulled under the vessel and used to upright the rig. Several compartments along the port side were used as leverage, and repairs were made at the deck gunwale along the inside of the Key Way where the well head had breached the hull.

Bisso's 600-ton derrick barge Lili Bisso and 350-ton derrick barge Cairo, and revolving crane Big Chief, were secured to the lifting straps, and the vessel brought to a 45 degree angle. Pumps were applied to the rig to remove an additional 300 tons of water and bring the vessel to an upright position. The 700-ton derrick barge Cappy Bisso was attached to the starboard side to assist with potential overturning concerns. Salvage personnel brought the bow of the rig up to 5 ft. of freeboard, and the derricks held the stern at four feet. Seas increased to four to six feet and additional tugs were brought to location to assist in towing the vessel to Bollinger Ship Repair in the Industrial Canal.