Mr. Bice Salvaged

Drilling jackup Mr. Bice was finally brought to shore by Bisso Marine Co.'s Salvage team. The 4,000 ton jackup capsized and sank 15 miles southwest of Grand Isle, La. in Block 49, while being towed from one drilling location to another. The salvage contract was awarded to Bisso in August 1998. The salvage plan was to attempt to upright and re-float the rig. Two weeks into the operation, Tropical Storm Earl disrupted the operation and caused sever damage to the hull. Hurricanes Frances, Hermine and Georges further delayed salvage operations. The severe sea conditions brought on by the hurricanes caused the hull to shear away from the port bow and stern sponsors and jacking towers. The full length of the hull had buckled longitudinally and imbedded the port side below the mud. Another assessment of the damage determined the project was now a wreck removal. The hull was cut into nine sections and loaded onto six barges for transport into Ocean Marine, Inc. In September 1999, operations were again suspended due to inconsistent weather patterns during hurrican season. Left to be removed were one leg section, derrick, drill floor, cantilever sub-base and various components and debris. Those operations were completed in December.