Bristow Group says it sustained some storm damage

Bristow Group Inc., which operates helicopters that ferry workers and equipment to offshore oil drilling rigs, said Wednesday it sustained some base damage and lost at least four offshore refueling stations during recent storms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Houston-based company said its Galveston base incurred substantial damage from Hurricane Ike and preliminary assessments show flooding and likely some structural damage at its Intracoastal City and Creole bases.

Bristow Group said it also experienced a reduction in flight hours partially offset by higher-than-usual flying during evacuation and reinstallation periods.

Bristow Group generates about 22 percent of its annual consolidated revenues from the Gulf.

The company said it also experienced moderate damage to several bases during Hurricanes Gustav and Tropical Storm Edouard. The bases are generally insured but the company said it would incur deductibles and other costs.

It said all of its employees are accounted for and uninjured but many are dealing with such issues as damage and a lack of electrical power at their homes.

Shares of Bristow Group closed at $39.80 on Tuesday.