Offshore staff

Noble Corporation announced that theNoble Charlie Yester was involved in a fire that began on ONGC's BHN offshore platform. A multi-purpose support vessel of ONGC under SCI operation was reported on fire. The fire started 1,000 ft from the rig.

Due to monsoon conditions and a ten hour time difference, information is incomplete and damage to the rig is unknown. Regarding the Noble employees assigned to theNoble Charlie Yester, two are currently missing and search and rescue efforts are in place.

The fire has left the platform completely destroyed.

This fleet consists of 13 semisubmersibles, three drillships, 41 jackups and three submersibles. The cause of accident has not been established.

07/29/05