Stone Energy Corporation Announces Impact From Hurricane Gustav

Stone Energy Corporation provided an update on the impact of Hurricane Gustav on its operations. The adverse weather conditions associated with Hurricane Gustav resulted in substantially all offshore drilling and production activities in the Gulf of Mexico being suspended as of Saturday, August 30th. Stone safely evacuated all employee and contract personnel prior to the arrival of the storm. Net daily production (including volumes from the acquired Bois d’Arc properties) of approximately 310 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe) was shut-in as a result of the hurricane.

Flyovers of company and certain outside operated properties have begun and based on an initial assessment, all facilities and infrastructure appear to have remained intact. The initial inspections indicate that minimal property damage occurred to some of its facilities. Repairs will begin shortly as Stone had secured railing, grating and other equipment and supplies in advance of the hurricane entering into the Gulf of Mexico. Stone insures selected properties and facilities subject to a deductible; however, Stone does not maintain coverage for business interruption.

Stone has deployed personnel back to its Gulf of Mexico properties and is beginning to restore production. Factors beyond Stone’s control will affect the timing in fully restoring production even if all the Stone facilities are operational. These factors include the testing and condition of pipelines and gas processing plants operated by third parties, as well as the availability of electrical power to operate third party onshore facilities. Regarding Stone’s drilling program, none of the four contracted rigs were damaged by the storm, and all are progressing toward resumption of operations. Stone expects to provide a further update on its operations and production next week as additional information becomes available.

Stone Energy is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development and operation of oil and gas properties located primarily in the Gulf of Mexico. For additional information, contact Kenneth H. Beer, Chief Financial Officer, at 337-237-0410-phone, 337-237-0426-fax or via e-mail at CFO@StoneEnergy.com.