Paragon working on plan to remove grounded drillship from Corpus Christi access channel

Houston-based offshore rig operator Paragon Offshore is still working on removing its grounded drillship Paragon DPDS1 from the access channel to the Port of Corpus Christi.

The 450-foot vessel was dislodged from its berth by the effects of Tropical Storm Harvey, which has devastated Houston with flooding.

Initially the drillship grounded on the northern side of the channel near the port entrance.

It refloated under the influence of the tides and re-grounded on the southern side of the channel.

Paragon and its service providers are working on a plan for the ship’s removal, which they will present to the US Coast Guard (USCG).

Paragon DPDS1 is upright and illuminated to make it visible to other ships at night.

A tug boat has been deployed by Paragon’s service providers to monitor the drillship’s condition.

The vessel needs to be removed if the Port Authority of Corpus Christi is to meet its target of being able to return to normal operations by Monday 4 September.

Corpus Christi’s port has been closed to vessel traffic since Friday because of the drastic effects of Harvey, the biggest storm to hit Texas in 50 years.