Marathon finds oil in U.K. Central North Sea

June 26, 1997 Marathon Oil U. K. has discovered oil in Block 16/6b of the U. K. North Sea, 150 miles north-east of Aberdeen, Scotland. The 16/6b-6 well was drilled to a depth of 7,150 feet and encountered 107 feet of net oil pay in Tertiary sands. The well, drilled in 361 feet of water 12 miles west of the Brae "A" platform, was suspended without testing. Further appraisal drilling is planned. Block 16/6b was acquired by the operator, Marathon (62.5 % interest), and its co-venturer Murphy Petroleum Limited (37.5 %) in the 12th license round in June 1991.