Daily Archives: May 28, 2017

Dan Marino and Friends Host Successful Bahamas Weekend 2017 – South Florida Caribbean News

Posted: May 28, 2017 at 8:03 am

Dan Marino and Miami Dolphins Alumni held their annual trip to Nassau, Bahamas and gives back to the Bahamian community.

NASSAU, Bahamas Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino and Dolphins Alumni held their annual trip to Nassau on Memorial Day Weekend for the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend 2017.

Throughout the weekend, guests mixed and mingled with notable Dolphins alumni, including Marino, Dick Anderson, Ronnie Brown, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Oronde Gadsden, Jim Jensen, OJ McDuffie, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose, Pat Surtain, Jason Taylor and Shawn Wooden.

Its always better in the Bahamas, Marino said. I look forward to this weekend each year, getting together with my former teammates and really enjoying the great hospitality of the Bahamian people while giving back.

The weekend kicked off with a welcome reception and golf draw party on Thursday evening. On Friday, the alumni and guests participating in a golf classic at Ocean Club. Each golf foursome included the exclusive opportunity to play with a Miami Dolphins Legend or celebrity. The golf classic on Friday wrapped with an awards luncheon and a Bahamas Bash party.

The weekend concluded on Saturday with a free fan fest at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The day was packed with great festivities for families, including Youth Football & Cheer Clinics for kids ages 6-17 teaching boys and girls the fundamentals of the game from Dolphins alumni or learning dance moves and chants.

Sam Madison at youth clinic in The Bahamas Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is grateful to Dan Marino and the Dolphins Legends for their continued support of the Islands of The Bahamas, and, in particular, their commitment to our youth, The Islands of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director of Sports Virginia Kelly said. We know that the technical football and cheerleader training and invaluable lifelong lessons the alumni shared with our youth will resonate in their hearts and minds for years to come.

The day culminated with competitive flag football games between Nassau, Freeport Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and a Dolphins Legends vs. Bahamas Legends Flag Football Game.

Dolphins Legends with Bahamian Legends at Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend 2017. Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins

Proceeds from the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend for the first time benefit the Bahamas Resource and Education for Autism and Related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H.), a non-profit organization that aims to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurobiological disorder. Proceeds also benefit the Miami Dolphins Alumni Player Assistance Fund, which provides financial support to assist former players in need.

Dolphins Legends, Dan Marino, Jason Taylor and Nat Moore with members of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and REACH Chair Dwayne Gibson.

REACH is really happy to receive this donation. We try and help a lot of kids along the spectrum in the Bahamas. Were hoping that the funds will go a long way, REACH Chair Dwayne Gibson said.

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Model’s sexy bikini shoot in the Bahamas goes horribly wring after THIS happens – Daily Star

Posted: at 8:03 am

A FEARLESS Instagram star got the shock of her life when she was attacked during a photoshoot.

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

The life of a travel blogger might seem like the dream, but Mareen aka Miss Everywhere, has proven its not all cocktails and infinity pools.

Her Miss Everywhere account is followed by more than 350,000 people and includes a collection of stunning travel snaps.

From swimming with pigs in the Bahamas to eating pool-side brunches in Sri Lanka, its clear to see life is good for the German beauty.

But her latest photoshoot ended with a bit of a fright for the curvy blonde.

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

Mareen decided to pose with a frenzy of sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Compass Cay an idilic island in the Bahamas.

The breathtaking photo shows the Instagram star floating in a skimpy pink bikini, surrounded by the predators.

But the shoot ended in horror as one of the sharks bit the model, leaving a scar on her hand.

We all love curvy girls in, so here are our top faves.

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On her blog, Mareen said: My highlight on that day besides the pigs was swimming with sharks in compass cay which was very fun until one got a little hungry and decided to bit me 🙂 I can not tell you the second of shock I felt when i saw this shark opening his mouth grabbing my hand.

People always tell you when a shark attacks you you should stay calm. let me tell you in reality when it happens there is nothing like staying calm you completely freak out."

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

She continued: Some of you will remember my pic floating with them just shortly before one bit my finger as he misplaced my hand with food.

My hand is okay again and has a scar now in shark teeth shape that will forever remind me of that beautiful day in the Exumas.

Its an amazing experience to swim with them and quite an adrenalin boost but consider even though they are usually calm they are still wild animals.

Still feeling the effects of the Christmas bulge? Take a look at the hottest babes on Instagram to motivate you to put down the chocolate bar and pick up your running trainers.

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Jen Selter poses for the camera next to a pool whilst on holiday

If this hasnt put you off, here are five other amazing places you can swim with sharks:

1. GREAT WHITES, GANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA

Known as the Great White capital of the World, this trip is not for the faint-hearted.

Gansbaii is a premier cage diving location that promises to offer a truly thrilling experience for tourists.

2. HAMMERHEADS, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galpagos Islands, is a province of Ecuador lying about 1,000km off the coast in the Pacific Ocean.

Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species many found nowhere else.

It is also one of the best places in the world to see Hammerhead sharks.

3. TIGER SHARKS, TIGER BEACH, BAHAMAS

This beach aptly named Tiger Beach is right off Grand Bahama and is one of the best places in the world to see the razor-toothed fish.

4. WHALE SHARKS, ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea, with the largest one measuring in at a length of 12.65 m and a weight of about 21.5 metric tons.

But unlike their scarier cousins, Whale Sharks dont have teeth meaning you can snorkel with them cage-free.

Isla Holbox is one of the best places in the world to see the sharks.

GETTY

5. NO CAGE DIVING, OSPREY REEF, AUSTRALIA

For experienced divers ready for an upgrade to a cage-free adventure, there is a thrilling seven-day live-aboard dive exploring the islands of the Coral Sea, outer Great Barrier Reef and Osprey Reef.

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Model's sexy bikini shoot in the Bahamas goes horribly wring after THIS happens - Daily Star

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Councillor on Fyre Festival island criticises Bahamas tourism agency – Complete Music Update

Posted: at 8:03 am

Business News Live Business By Chris Cooke | Published on Friday 26 May 2017

As the lawsuits continue to mount in the US in relation to the failed Fyre Festival, back in the Bahamas where the luxury event was meant to take place increased pressure is being put on the Ministry Of Tourism for its involvement in bringing the Ja Rule-backed venture to the island of Great Exuma.

As previously reported, Bahamas-based newspaper The Tribune recently interviewed some of the local businesses who were left out of pocket when the Fyre Festival collapsed just as it was due to kick off at the end of April.

Now the Chief Councillor of Exuma, Brian Strachan, has insisted that, while his body did give the necessary permission for the Fyre Festival to go ahead, it was the Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism which led on all the dealings and conversations with the events management team, including the other co-founder Billy McFarland.

Strachan told the Tribune: We had nothing to do with this event. We made sure we kept our distance, because it wasnt for us to take charge, but somebody has to now. Tourism took the wheel, so they [should lead] now [on dealing with the fall out].

The Councillor added that, when the required paperwork was provided to the island authorities by the Fyre Festival team, their main concern was the dates, because the start of the festival clashed with the end of the islands George Town Regatta.

Strachan reckons that Fyre clashing with that event, which already stretches local resources, could have added to the festivals problems. Though even without the clash it seems unlikely the Fyre Festival site would have met the expectations of ticketholders who had been sold such a luxury experience.

The Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism was quick to put out statements criticising the Fyre Festival as it collapsed over the last weekend in April, seemingly concerned that media reporting and social media chatter about the disastrous event was damaging the Bahamas brand. Though the government agency has yet to respond to more recent local criticism of its involvement in bringing Ja Rule and McFarlands ambitious party to its shores.

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Bahamas native stocks up on US pride at Montgomery store – Montgomery Advertiser

Posted: at 8:03 am

The American flags in Ron Deans shop may get some extra attention from customers on Memorial Day, but theyll mean even more to Dean a few weeks later. June 20 will mark 17 years since Dean came to the U.S.

The Bahamas native has spent the last three of those years building up his downtown Montgomery general store, the Knicker Knacker Market. Everything has been going back into the business, he said. Hes used his revenue to add grocery supplies and a lot more. Theres a Dippin Dots station near the door, a cooler with meat and new services - hes just started offering bill pay.

It was already an eclectic mix. Shelves are stocked with everything from shoes, to hamster food, to Montgomery memorabilia. Dean said he doesnt specialize because I dont want to put the customers in a box.

He speaks quickly and points around the 163 Lee St. store as he talks about whats coming next. A hot dog machine will be over there. More grocery supplies are on the way in another part of the store.

Eventually he plans add Bahamian merchandise. But for now hes gearing up to celebrate his June anniversary in a very American way with a store-wide sale.

Bahamas native Ron Dean owns the Knicker Knacker Market in downtown Montgomery.(Photo: Brad Harper / Advertiser)

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Woman held in Bahamas with cocaine in wig jailed for 28 months … – Stabroek News

Posted: at 8:03 am

A Guyanese woman who was caught in The Bahamas with cocaine in a wig was jailed for 28 months yesterday. The Bahama Journal said today that a weeping Linda Latoya Reynolds, 22, threw herself at the mercy of the court before being convicted on drug charges yesterday. The young mother was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on one count of possession of drugs with intent to supply and another count of importation of dangerous drugs. The charges stem from an incident on May 23 when Reynolds was searched at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, the Bahama Journal said. During the search, officers discovered two pounds and 15 ounces of cocaine, packaged and taped under a stocking cap that was placed under a long wig on Reynolds head. Reynolds was subsequently arrested. She pleaded guilty to the charges, but begged Magistrate Forbes to consider the fact that she is the mother of a four-year-old she left at home in Suriname with a friend. According to the report, her attorney Jairam Mangra asked the court to consider that his client was remorseful and had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction. He noted that she was used simply as a trafficking mule. Magistrate Forbes said he took all points into consideration, but that the mitigating factor was that the accused indulged in illegal activity. Reynolds was sentenced to 28 months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections and on the second count she was given 18 months. The sentences will run concurrently, the Bahama Journal said.

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WA shark spotters share stories of ‘life aboard’ in Bahamas – WA Today – WAtoday

Posted: at 8:03 am

A Perth couple have shared the story of their past two years 'living the dream' aboard a boat in the Bahamas, shark-spotting as a way of raising awareness for conservation.

Laura and Andy Corbe's life aboard a sailing boat, home-schooling their two daughters, is something Ms Corbe said she had worked towards for much of her life.

Ms Corbe's daughters get an underwater education as well. Photo: Instagram/@lauracorbe

Growing up as a surfer and ocean lover in Scotland, she studied zoology at university before moving toAustralia where she met her husband.

"[It was there] I really started to look at life under the water," she said.

"Our first trip toNingalooblew my mind."

Before long she was back at university to take a Master's in marine resource management, but it proved a difficult field to find work in, especially for a woman with young children.

The couple started a business that kept them flat out for the next five years but they were never too busy to keep planning their dream to take a few years out of the rat race and "live aboard".

In 2014, they sold their business and prepared to buy the boat when the previous government announced its controversial shark drum line trial.

"By chance we witnessed one of the first undersized tiger sharks being caught," MsCorbesaid.

"It was one of those glorious summer days when the sea-breeze holds off, making for a perfect day on the ocean. We'd taken the dinghy out for a quick spin and happened across some sea-lions that wanted to play and afterwards were mobbed by a pod of dolphins."

It was then they saw the capture of the firstshark.

"Such a stark contrast to the dreamy day we'd just had, it was truly sickening," Ms Corbe said.

"You might say at that point we were jettisoned into the world of activism."

They delayed their dream, bought a bigger boat and spent the next three months following, filming and photographing the drum line trial.

"All the things the government didn't want the public to see," Ms Corbe said.

"Sharks that had been attracted to the beach by bait, then bitten by even larger sharks while they were struggling caught on hooks, sharks that were released beside surf life saving clubs trailing plumes of blood from holes right through their head, and others that were supposedly released alive but that sunk straight to the seabed once they were in the water."

It was then they met other high-profile conservationists including TV's 'Shark Man' Riley Elliott and documentary filmmaker Mike Bhana, both from New Zealand, underwater photographer Juan Oliphant and business partner Ocean Ramsey,Hawaii-based freedivers dubbed the 'shark whisperers' after global media coverage of the jaw-dropping videos Mr Oliphant has made of Ms Ramsey interacting with great whites.

All had flown to WA for the massive protests, with Mr Corbe, Ms Ramsey and Mr Elliott taking part in a high-profile resuscitation of a bleeding tiger shark in the water.

"These guys are the salt of the earth and so knowledgeable about sharks, their biology, behaviour and conservation that before long it felt like we'd taken a crash course ourselves," Ms Corbe said.

It was only after the Environmental Protection Authority vetoed the continuation of the trial the Corbes left WA for the Bahamas, stopping en route to visit Ms Ramsey and Mr Oliphant at their Hawaii-based shark diving, conservation and research centre One Ocean, where their daughters also "fell in love with sharks".

Ms Corbe said life on board since had been everything they had hoped; but not as lazy as one might expect.

"There wasn't really an adjustment period for us like some families go though, I guess we'd been talking about it for years and we fell in love with life on the water," she said.

"We still never seem to have quite enough hours in the day.

"Home school takes up a huge amount of time, and there's always something to fix on a boat."

She said logistics, such as provisioning or refilling gas cylinders, often took up an entire day and that was besides the "whole lot of paradise to explore".

"Each day we go to bed tired but very happy," she said.

"More than two years on it's still one of the best decisions we ever made."

Ms Ramsey and Mr Oliphant recently joined the Corbes shark-spotting in the Bahamas on a "holiday" they spent taking film and photos in support of a campaignto create Australia's largest shark sanctuary, waged by ecotourism operators from WA's Shark Bay.

"I'm not sure the word 'holiday' fits into their vocabulary," Ms Corbe said.

"We had a hit list of sharks we wanted to film, with oceanic whitetip and greater hammerhead sharks taking the two top spots.

"We were incredibly lucky to check everything off."

She said people were always surprised by the calm feel of their photography and video, but while being alert was important around sharks, the calmer the swimmer the calmer the shark.

The best way to illustrate was to teach people to get into the water - or sometimes out of the water.

"That's happened to me only once so far," she said.

Ms Corbe and Ms Ramsey admiring local sharks that "seemed happy to hang around even with a dropping tide". Photo: Instagram @juansharks

"After two-and-a-half hours diving with a huge tiger she decided it was time we left her alone. She asked, in her polite, jaw snapping, sharky kinda way, and I didn't wait for her to repeat the request."

Ms Ramsey said the WA couple were among the most dedicated conservationists she had met.

"Working every day before sunrise without sleep in rough cold weather, watching the animals you love being killed," Ms Ramsey said.

"Now they sail from island to island and it's a great reminder that sharing your voice for marine life and the ocean everywhere you go is so important."

Nearly 300,000 Ocean Ramsey followers on Instagram alone have now seen the Shark Bay campaign signage.

Meanwhile, the Corbe family plans to eventually head to the Pacific Ocean and home to Australia but is in no hurry, and they are not the only ocean lovers promoting the Shark Ark campaign.

WA mermaid stunt artists Hannah Moy, Jessica Bell and Amelia X are all 'Shark Ark Ambassadors', promoting the cause at the recent Asia DiveEXPO.

There, they recruited oceanographer and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, called "Her Deepness" by the New Yorker and the New York Times, "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress, and first "Hero for the Planet" by Time magazine.

Campaign instigator Leon Deschamps is pushing for an audience with Fisheries minister Dave Kelly to discuss shark conservation and the possibility of prevention 'trophy hunting' of sharks in WA waters.

While the Nationals' election commitment of $200,000 to build a shark museum in Shark Bay or Denham is no more after the change in government, local MP Vince Catania told WAtoday he hoped the new government would show support.

"There is a fascination with sharks in the community," he said.

"It would also bring tourism into Shark Bay the perfect place, given its name and shark population, and it would be a huge boost to the local economy, which relies on the tourism industry."

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2 Offshore Drillers In The Race For The OGNC 3-Year Contracts After Seadrill Drops Out – Seeking Alpha

Posted: at 8:02 am

Courtesy: The 6G ultra-deepwater drillship Platinum Explorer (Operational in 2010) owned by Vantage Drilling Inc (Private company).

Investment thesis:

The offshore drilling industry plays an important role in the oil and gas supply chain; no one can deny this basic principle even if the industry is now struggling through a strong downturn. Did you know that oil production from offshore locations represents about 29% of the global crude oil production in 2015, according to the EIA? This percentage has been nearly constant since 2005 and is expected to remain the same until 2040.

The bulk of the crude offshore production is still in the "shallow waters," which are generally cheaper and less technically challenging when compared to other offshore segments such as the deepwater and the ultra-deepwater.

However, this trend will gradually change according to Wood Mackenzie in early April 2017, who was claiming that deepwater developments are turning increasingly competitive, even compared to tight oil.

Angus Rodger, Asia-Pacific upstream research director at Wood Mackenzie, said: "We are at last beginning to see the first signs of recovery in deepwater, driven primarily by cost reduction and portfolio high-grading. Projects in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in particular have made significant strides, with many reducing NPV15 break-evens from above $70/boe to below $50 per boe.

One important area that could help the offshore industry to survive this downturn is India offshore, which is the main topic of my article today. ONGC is active and is about to award three rigs on a three-year contract for its KG-DWN-98/2 block.

Description of the Krishna Godavari basin:

Total oil initially in place in the KG-DWN-98/2 block is estimated at 106 million cubic meters, production of only 26.71 million cubic meters is envisaged during 2019-2031.

Similarly, the gas initially in place is estimated at 69.57 billion cubic meters "BCM," of which only 51.33 BCM can be produced during 2018-34.

I - The ONGC tender.

On March 3, 2017, We learn from Upstream that ONGC is now close to award the three 3-year contracts.

Three leading international drilling contractors are poised to win three-year, deep-water rig contracts from India's Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for its flagship Block KG-DWN-98/2 development off the country's east coast.

ONGC requires two 1500-metre, dynamically positioned drillships or semi-submersibles in one category and a single anchor-moored rig capable of drilling in 600 meters of water in the second.

London-headquartered giant Seadrill and Singapore's Vantage Drilling are expected to win three-year rig charter contracts in the 1500-metre category, while Brazil's Queiroz Galvao Oil & Gas (QGOG) is likely to win a three-year rig contract in the 600-metre category, sources said.

On February 27, 2017, commercial bids were opened by ONGC and the results are indicated in a small table below:

Seadrill with its Subsidiarie Sevan Drilling.

Sevan Drilling ASA (SEVDR.OL) (OTCPK:SDRNF), listed on the Oslo stock exchange: Seadrill (NYSE:SDRL) owns 50.11% (14.897 million shares) of the company.

Semisubmersible Sevan Driller (2009)

Actually Ready stacked in Singapore

[Dropped out of the race]

Drillship Platinum Explorer

(2010)

Actually Ready stacked in India

Midwater Semisub Olinda Star

(1983)

Actually Ready stacked in Brazil

[Has been awarded the contract according to Upstream]

Transocean (RIG) is said to be the biggest loser in this fight for survival. The company offered no less than three drillships in the first category and one semisubmersible in the second category:

More than a dozen rigs were offered by nine contractors in the 1500-metre category.

Transocean is believed to have offered the highest bid with $166,750/d for the three drillships offered. For the second category, Transocean was the second bidder with $146,050/day (only three bidders in this category with the Semisubmersible Hakuryu-5 from Japan drilling but seems to have been disqualified?

II - New development released on May 24, 2017.

According to Upstream on May 24, 2017:

Vantage Drilling and Universal Energy have emerged as front-runners to secure three-year deep-water drilling contracts from India's Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) after original low bidder Seadrill withdrew from the race.

State-controlled ONGC is looking for two 1500-metre, dynamically-positioned drillships or semi-submersible rigs to drill wells for its flagship Block KG-DWN-98/2 off India's east coast.

Well-placed sources said Seadrill was no longer in the race, and Vantage Drilling - which was already well placed for an award - and Universal Energy likely to win contracts.

"Seadrill is out of the fray and has declined to extend its bid validity. The second and third lowest bidders (Vantage and Universal) are expected to win, once they match the lowest dayrate," a drilling source said.

A Seadrill spokesman confirmed the company had pulled out, explaining that there were "delays in the tender process, which led to Seadrill being unable to secure the shipyard slot for the Sevan Driller to be able to meet the delivery date".

As a result, "we did not extend our bid validity", he added.

The semi-submersible Sevan Driller is now out of the race, after Seadrill declined to extend the bid validity for another two months, saying that it could not meet the delivery date in this case. The rig is actually ready stacked in Malaysia according to infieldRigs.

What next?

Drilling sources suggested ONGC is expected shortly to invite the second and the third lowest bidder for negotiations and ask them to match Seadrill's rate.

Vantage Drilling was placed a close second in the rig tender, offering an operating dayrate of $129,582 (tax inclusive) for the drillship Platinum Explorer, while Universal was third in line, quoting $138,000 for the semisub Louisiana, managed by Brazil's Petroserv Marine.

One drilling source pointed to the possibility of a re-tender, if the other bidders do not agree to match the original lowest dayrate offered by Seadrill.

However, a second source cautioned that a re-tender could lead to further delays and affect ONGC's completion schedule for KG-DWN-98/2.

Vantage Drilling Inc and Universal Energy Corp., (two privates companies) are now first and second, and will be asked by ONGC to match the $124,889 per day (tax inclusive) proposed by Seadrill. This is a total backlog including tax of about $137 million.

Note: I believe the day rate excluding the tax is about $112,000 per day.

Conclusion:

I am totally flabbergasted by the low day rate proposed here for a modern 6th generation drillship, such as the Platinum Explorer. Is it anywhere near the breakeven price? I seriously doubt it.

According to Markit index. The day rate for drillships and semisubs in May 2017 is about $200k/d. We are talking about 38% lower for ONGC?

I see it as both a blessing and a curse long term for the offshore Industry.

A blessing because three rigs will be working for the next three years, and a curse because the day rates are now basically well below breakeven prices. Rig attrition will accelerate if day rate plummet.

This is a new trend that may continue for years to come, and will eventually hurt the few remaining offshore drillers still showing an acceptable balance sheet, such as Transocean (NYSE:RIG) or Ensco (NYSE:ESV).

A dangerous unsettling issue that jeopardizes the "survivors."

Competition is naturally turning destructive. New companies are created or emerged from bankruptcy with a "fresh-start accounting" and modern attractive assets.

They become everyone'else problem.

Let's take for example Vantage Drilling International - a private company now, which emerged from bankruptcy in February 2016 - with a fleet of four Ultra-Premium Marine Pacific Class375 Jackups, and three modern 6G Ultra-Deepwater 10,000 ft & 12,000 ft Drillships.

In short, after emerging from bankruptcy, the company took care of its $2.7 billion in debt and now shows $869 million in total debt, and a cash of $232 million.

The immediate consequence is that companies such as Transocean and others who are still struggling with a large debt and did not restructure are competing unfairly with players "on steroid", who can drive the day rate to an unrealistic level and still be able to survive somehow.

However, the survivors have still a strong hand in their favor, called: Innovation.

To survive, there are several paths a rig owners can take to ensure they end up in a more viable position while the market recovers

Time will tell...

Important note: Do not forget to follow me on the offshore drilling Industry. Thank you for your support.

Disclosure: I am/we are long RIG, ESV, NE.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: I am day trading SDRL frequently.

Editor's Note: This article covers one or more stocks trading at less than $1 per share and/or with less than a $100 million market cap. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

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2 Offshore Drillers In The Race For The OGNC 3-Year Contracts After Seadrill Drops Out - Seeking Alpha

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PERFECTion on the high seas – Cape Cod Times (subscription)

Posted: at 8:01 am

Steve Derderian

NANTUCKET Kelly Smith and John Morley didn't know each other when they were both at boot camp while training for the U.S. Navy in California.

They certainly didn't know then that almost 10 years later, despite both losing one of their arms, they'd be reunited when they were invited to ride on one of the over 200 boats competing Saturday in the 46th annual Figawi Charity Race from Hyannis to Nantucket.

Corpsman Smith, who also brought along her service dog Cook, a 2-year-old golden retriever, joined chief petty officer Morley, five-year Air Force veteran Heather MacLeod and Army Sgt. Jason Johns as former military members in their first Figawis among the 20 on the 49-inch Jeanneau D/S Perfect Summer, led by captain Bob Solomon.

For four years now Solomon has brought wounded veterans who are connected with the organization Nantucket Holiday for Heroes.

"We did it the first year and it was incredible," said Solomon, who has competed in 26 straight Figawi races. "We got second place in our class. It was almost like a life-changer. I had never been next to people with prosthetics before."

Perfect Summer, which had two American flags flying between red, white and blue flags honoring deceased Chief petty officer Chris Kyle and deceased Marine Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, plus a Boston Strong flag, began its race just outside the Hyannis Yacht Club at 10:40 a.m. Though Solomon and his crew had to join other ships by retiring around 1 p.m. due to minimal winds, the boat motored past the finish at the entrance of Nantucket Harbor around 3:30 p.m.

Video: Highlights from Figawi race

Photo Gallery: 46th annual Figawi Charity Race

The ships were greeted on the Nantucket beaches, including one man waving a large American flag in the water, as the members on the ship sang the Marines' Hymn.

"That was outstanding," Johns said. "Having the beach lined with flags was fantastic."

Though, Solomon said since starting this tradition four years ago, the result has become secondary.

"Once we're really starting to race and it's a windy day, you know you can get a trophy," said Solomon, a UMass graduate. "All these things, when you cross the finish line, all that is gone. I'm next to people without legs, and I don't even notice. That was really the gift."

"Captain Bob doesn't care if we finish first or last," Johns added. "He's just honored to have us."

Johns, who lives in Madison, Wisconsin, spent 10 years in the army.

Johns' army unit was one of the first deployed to Iraq in 2003, and he said he lived in Arlington, Virginia, and could only watch the damage from a plane that crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Morley, who retired from the Navy in 2008 and now works for the Semper Fi Fund, moved back to the New England area six years ago and was called in to respond after the Boston Marathon bombings.

In 2006, he lost his right arm when trying to disable an improvised explosive device in Northern Iraq. He said he only survived because the device "low ordered" when it detonated.

"It's the only reason I'm still alive today," said Morley, who took the helm when the boat left Hyannis. "My focus is to get back to the way I was."

Smith, who lives in Florida with her husband and joined Worcester native Daryl on Saturday, had a similar incident when her left arm was severely injured after a house exploded in Iraq and her unit was ambushed.

Smith survived but in 2013 had to have the arm amputated. The Organization Paws for Action donated Cook to the Smith family, helping pick things up and act as Kelly's other arm. He is named after Army Spc. Michael Cook, who was killed in action in 2011 in Fallujah, Iraq.

"It was the best way to reunite and just sit and talk," Smith, a 19-year service member, said of her first Figawi. "We're both doing things and able to be there with one another."

The Xiarhos family was also included, with several wearing either sweatshirts or shirts honoring his passing. Steve Xiarhos, who served during the Vietnam War, in his family also passed on buttons with Nick's face reading "Big Nick's Ride For The Cape Cod Fallen," and "Living the Dream," on the bottom.

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PERFECTion on the high seas - Cape Cod Times (subscription)

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High seas just a soggy mess – Kankakee Daily Journal

Posted: at 8:01 am

The infamous Jack Sparrow is back in the fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, "Dead Men Tell No Tales." The Disney franchise continues in its effort to reel in viewers who love Johnny Depp and his drunken pirate antics. A few new additions join beloved characters in an attempt to keep it fresh, but this version is nothing more than a soggy mess.

Henry Turner's (Brenton Thwaites) father, Will (Orlando Bloom), has been lost at sea, taken by the curse placed upon him. Young Henry vows to find Poseidon's trident, the one item that can break the curse and return his father to his rightful state. Henry's quest leads him to the dead Capt. Salazar (Javier Bardem) and Sparrow. As with all these movies, there's a young, beautiful damsel in distress who actually is quite smart and savvy on her own. This fare maiden, Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), holds the key to unlocking the map to locate the trident and, in turn, Sparrow's safety. Meanwhile, Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) makes a deal with the devil of the sea and Sparrow and his gangly entourage must outwit the dumb-witted seafarers and Red Coats.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is filled with exactly what you would expect: nonstop chase scenes, spectacular acrobatic stunts and amazing CGI. If you're a fan of this franchise, you're used to quite a bit of humor, too. Unfortunately, this version, in its 2-hour-and-9-minute running time, lacks it. The few laugh-out-loud moments are rather off-color. Double entendres aren't the signature style of Disney. The violence, sometimes graphic, also seems harsh by Disney standards.

Ultimately, it's slow-paced, even in the midst of high action. The film meanders, piecing together subplot after subplot. Between Capt. Salazar's soliloquy and Capt. Barbossa's long-winded mutterings, it is difficult to stay focused. Focus is exactly what this film needed and couldn't produce. And that's not even to mention all the inconsistencies in the story.

While the plots are lost at sea, the one-dimensional characters can't breathe life back into the drowning film. Depp, although the lead, has more stunts than lines, and Rush seems to have lost his edge on this evil character. Bardem, always an intimidating "bad guy," serves his role well, but the CGI upstages his portrayal. Thwaites is the handsome "prince" and hero, and Scodelario counters his looks with her beauty -- and that's as deep as these characters go. There's just no personality.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is a lackluster story filled with mesmerizing special effects. The amount of violence and off-color humor gives this film its PG-13 rating, but it also gives Disney a different look as well. Spending your time and money on this one would be like walking the plank. I'd advise against it.

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High seas just a soggy mess - Kankakee Daily Journal

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Take 10: Keeping boats safe from the high seas – Cape Cod Times (subscription)

Posted: at 8:01 am

Sean F. Driscoll @SeanFDriscoll

SOUTH YARMOUTH When the waters of Cape Cod turn warm and boaters return to the seas, Dry Dock Marine Corp. gets hopping.

The boat hauling and storage business keeps about 200 vessels on 5 acres at its Old Town House Road facility and, for the most part, sees its busiest seasons right before and after summer as its dry-docked boats move on and off the yard to head nearly anywhere across the Cape.

We handle a lot of big stuff from a lot of all the major boat yards. Were probably one of the biggest boat haulers on the Cape, said Frank Richard, who bought the business with his wife, Marie, in 1977 and continues to work there with his son, Skip, who has taken over the day-to-day operations.

The business allows boats to be stored on trailers in the yard, too, so during the summer theres a steady stream of customers coming in and out to take their boats on the water for the day. The business also allows owners to work on their boats while theyre in storage, giving them an edge on the marinas that typically provide less access during the off-season.

Video:Dry Dock Marine Corp. in South Yarmouth

What is the biggest component of your business? Skip: Boat hauling is our primary business.

How long have you been in business? Marie: We started in August of 1977. We moved to this location in March 2006.

What did you do before? Skip: Ive been involved in the business since I was 10 years old.

How big is your staff? Marie: Six.

How has the market changed since your business started? Skip: The size and price of the boats. Our customers are a lot more demanding. Were still a do-it-yourself yard; we do some work, the owners do some work, they get contractors to do some work. Its a lot more picky. The boats are a lot cleaner, the boats are lot more expensive. Frank: We hauled a couple of boats to the Boston Boat Show this year that were worth $1 million apiece. And they sold it. Some of the stuff we move, its high value.

What are your plans for your business' future? Skip:Who knows? Possibly a little more inside storage.

What's your most memorable moment with this business? Skip:Id probably say moving up here. Frank: The old shop, we had three-quarters of an acre (and) we had outgrown it by 10 or 15 years easy. We were in an old barracks building that was converted. Skip:Now we come here, we dont have any more dirt, we have asphalt and rock, a wash basin for the bottom-washing and water and electricity all over the yard for the customers. Its just a nice facility.

What advice do you have for someone starting out in business? Frank:Theyve got one tough nut to go. If someone went to start this business up in the position we're in right now, Id hate to think what theyd have to have for money just to start off with. Skip:Stay small. You dont always have quality people working for you.

What's the biggest challenge about having a business on Cape Cod? Skip: Employees. You cant find the quality here. Marie: We had a guy come in on a bicycle for a driving job. He didnt have a license.

What's the best thing about having a business on Cape Cod? Skip:In this business, its being independent. Our business slows down for the summer, so we can enjoy it a little bit more.

Follow Sean F. Driscoll on Twitter: @seanfdriscoll.

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Take 10: Keeping boats safe from the high seas - Cape Cod Times (subscription)

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