ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

The ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS remains "ready stacked" offshore Africa. Currently, we do not expect the rig will return to work during calendar year 2009. We are pursuing some short-term contract opportunities for the rig early in 2010; however, there is no guarantee that the rig will return to work in 2010.

The RICHMOND remains "ready stacked" in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico while contract opportunities are currently being pursued. The RICHMOND is being offered for short term opportunities that would commence prior to the end of the calendar year; however, its dayrate is expected to be in the mid-to-lower $30,000's.

The ATWOOD BEACON is en-route to Equatorial Guinea and is expected to commence its estimated 240 days contract with Hess Equatorial Guinea, Inc. in early November 2009.

Information with respect to the Company's Fleet Status Report at October 7, 2009 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Such information is being furnished under Regulation FD and should not be deemed to be filed under Section 19 of the Exchange Act.

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved in the construction of a rig and commencement of operations of the rig following delivery; competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism, acts of piracy, embargoes, war or other military operations; and governmental regulations and environmental matters. A list of additional risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 9.01 EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 99.1 Fleet Status Report at October 7, 2009

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