Marathon Canada Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Company, succeeded in containing a "well-control event" caused by an influx of gas at its Annapolis B-24 deepwater exploratory well, in 1,740 metres of water.

The well was suspended on March 24 when the blowout occurred at an intermediate well depth of 3,500m.

Drilling was immediately stopped and the well was brought under control without incident, Marathon said. Following a detailed analysis of both the event and the condition of the well bore, the company decided to plug and abandon the Annapolis B-24 well for mechanical reasons.

Marathon said it was currently working with its project partners to evaluate alternatives for further drilling on the Annapolis prospect in order to examine its potential and a decision was expected shortly.

Marathon holds a 30-percent interest in the Annapolis prospect and serves as operator. The remaining interests are held by EnCana Corporation (26%), Norsk Hydro Canada Oil and Gas Inc. (25%), and Murphy Oil Company Limited (19%).