Hurricane Katrina 2005

Summary

After breaking loose from its moorings in Main Pass Block, the Ocean Warwick drifted 66 nautical miles before finally running aground on Dauphin Island, Alabama.The Ocean Warwick suffered major damage as a result of Katrina, including the loss of its derrick and the eventual removal of the remains of the rig's legs during salvage operations.

The Ocean Warwick was towed away on the 10th Oct 2005 to the Atlantic Marine dock yard in Mobile, Alabama for repairs. One of the residents of Dauphin Island posted a series of photos of the Ocean Warwick being towed away from Dauphin Island - follow the link and scroll down to the bottom of his page to see them.

The rig was inspected by its owners, Diamond Offshore, and eventually written off in November 2005 due to extensive damage. The rig had been insured for US$50 million.

Summary

The PSS Chemul semi-sub was under construction for PEMEX in the Bender Shipbuilding yard near Mobile, Alabama. It broke loose from its moorings during the hurricane was pushed upstream by the storm surge, where it eventually became wedged under the Cochrane Bridge.

The rig remained pinned under the bridge for several hours, causing the closure of the bridge. After inspection, the innermost lanes of the bridge were re-opened, with the completion of repairs planned for the end of 2005.

Summary

The Shell Mars TLP housed both production and drilling facilites, including the Helmerich & Payne H&P 201 drilling rig and the installation was shut-in prior to the hurricane. Katrina toppled the derrick, which caused major damage to the rig floor and substructure.

Later inspection found no underwater damage at the platform, but the topside damage was extensive and the platform was expected to remain unproductive until repairs were completed in 2006.