Natchez, MS (January 2, 2000)--Callon Petroleum Company ( NYSE:CPE/CPE.PrA) today reported a natural gas blow-out while drilling a test well at South Marsh Island Block 261, located approximately 60 miles south of Lafayette, Louisiana, in the Gulf of Mexico.
All personnel were safely evacuated from the RB Falcon Drilling Rig #153, which was drilling the well. Callon has notified all of the proper government authorities and is cooperating fully with them.
A fire is burning from a portion of the well casing approximately 20 feet above sea level.
Wild Well Control, Inc., a well blow-out specialty firm, is en-route and making preparations to bring the well under control.
Callon Petroleum Company has been engaged in the exploration, development, acquisition and operation of oil and gas properties in the Gulf Coast region since 1950.
For further information contact: Terry Trovato P.O. Box 1287 Natchez, MS 39121 (601) 442-1601terryt@callon.com