While drilling ahead with 60 foot draft, the DEEP DRILLER encounters lost circulation and loses 460 barrels of 16 pounds per gallon mud to the hole. What is the resulting draft if no additional ballast is taken on?

Correct Answer: Option C — 59 feet

Losing heavy drilling mud from active pits into the formation reduces total vessel weight, decreasing displacement. Based on standard stability calculations for the DEEP DRILLER, shedding 460 barrels of 16 ppg mud decreases draft by 1 foot, resulting in 59 feet.