Melbana Energy Ltd. had an encouraging oil show in its Block 9 contract area, onshore Cuba.
After reaching 1,666 m and logging the open hole, the 11 3/4-in. liner was successfully run and cemented over the 14-in. diameter hole section to a depth of 1,243 m. After cleaning out the hole, drilling continued within the ophiolite overburden section to a depth of 1,698 m, at which point the drill string became stuck.
While attempting to retrieve the drill string, free oil was observed on the shakers at surface, indicating an oil discovery. The decision was made to sever the string above the stuck point at 1,507 m and recover the remaining drill pipe. Following this operation, a cement plug was set with the top at 1,252.5 m.
Operations have now commenced to initiate a side-track and continue drilling to the main carbonate target below the ophiolite.