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Tales from the Field by Jeremy C. Wire Geoconsultants, Inc. Midnight Fishing Usually the term “fishing” or “gone fishing” invites a vision of a peaceful day in the countryside, fishing in or by a stream, possibly a rare getaway from the office or field routine. However, to anyone associated with well drilling, the words “fishing” or “gone fishing” are usually met with dread and fear that a bit or drill stem lost down hole may lead to a costly and lengthy “fishing” job, or worse, having to abandon a borehole at a critical time, with expensive tools stuck in the bottom. One such incident occurred at a drilling project in San Joaquin Valley on a relatively simple project involving a 400-foot-deep test hole, being drilled by mud rotary in advance of constructing a well for an underground telephone switching facility. It was a viciously hot summer night - not unusual for the locale. The project was on a tight schedule (a common occurrence even today, it seems) and the drill crew had worked all day and into the night. By midnight, the test hole was ready for geophysical logging. The logging truck had arrived, and everyone was standing around in the heat waiting for the last few drill stem joints and bit to appear at the surface so logging could commence. The drill operator attached the hoist cable to the hoist plug, and con- nected it to the last two joints and bit to speed up the process of pulling out of the hole. Suddenly, the cable line parted and the whole assembly plunged back into the hole, taking a section of the bro- ken hoist cable with it. An unfortunate event to say the least, leaving everyone watching frustrated and impatient, given the heat and lateness of the hour! Fortunately, the drilling professional remained calm, and looking around, found a large hook attached to a chain. He removed the hook, welded it to a con- nector which was then attached to the drill string, which was reassembled and lowered into the borehole with the hook on the end. After reaching the critical depth, he thought he felt part of the tan- gled cable. With a few slow rotations, could it be the hook engaged the tangled cable, and the “fish” could be pulled out? With everyone standing around in a state of suspense, it took about half an hour to pull out of the hole . . . and SUC- CESS! The tangled cable with the drill stem joints and bit attached were now in view. With some relief, the logging pro- ceeded. When finished, everyone left the location in the “wee” hours of the predawn morning, very tired but relieved by the successful outcome. Another good example of a drilling professional’s ingenuity at work under less than ideal circumstances. Jeremy Jeremy Wire may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com New & Used Equipment Elevators SkyRex We Support Our Troops! Stock Sizes: 1” thru24” for casing, column pipe, tubing, and drill pipe. *Load test certificates available *Offered with or without base UsedWorldwide Spiral or Slick *NEWAND USED* DRILL COLLARS From 3 ½ " to 10 " 30’ and 40’ Lengths • Drill Pipe • Drill Collars • Manual Tongs • Spiders • RC Swivels We have elevators of all sizes, types, and weights; can build to any special applications. • Stabilizers • Bits • Bowls • Centrifugal Pumps • Crossover Subs Available with or without a base 14 FEBRUARY 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®