ENSCO 8502 Encounters Problems on Tow to Corpus Christi

By Rob Almeida On February 22, 2015

ENSCO 8502, image: ENSCO

After a fire damaged three of the six main engines on board the ENSCO 8502 drilling rig about a week ago, the rig has pulled its stack and is now under tow to the shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas.

All did not go as planned however, as the towing vessel Kurt J Crosby lost power on Friday and for a yet unknown reason, the rig began to flood.

Miles Clements, an attorney representing Crosby tugs contacted gCaptain on Sunday noting that the flooding issue aboard the ENSCO 8502 was in no way related to their tug that was involved with the tow.

“At all times, the KURT J. CROSBY and CROSBY COURAGE maintained control of the rig under difficult weather conditions Friday night, continuing into Saturday,” commented Clements.  “Both tugs continue to tow the rig as the present time.”
The situation is stable, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, and non-essential personnel were evacuated.

Crosby notes the rig is currently back under tow by two of their tugs.  An earlier report by the U.S. Coast Guard notes the Signet Warhorse had relieved the two Crosby tugs, however that appears to have since changed and we are verifying that information.

Adriatic Marine’s 200-foot DP1 supply vessel Arabian is providing escort assistance.

Prior to the fire, the ENSCO 8502 was drilling for Talos Energy, we do not yet know which rig will be replacing her.