Atwood Oceanics Comments on False Rumor

HOUSTON, April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.,
(Houston-based International Drilling Contractor) (NYSE: ATW), announced today
that during a meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, with analysts, John R. Irwin,
the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company was advised of a
rumor in the market that the Company was the target in a potential merger or
acquisition situation, as well as unusual activity in the market for the
Company's common stock. Mr. Irwin subsequently advised the analysts, and
others making inquiry of James M. Holland, Senior Vice President of the
Company, were advised that, to their knowledge and to date, the rumor was
unfounded. The Company is otherwise unaware of any corporate activities that
would account for unusual market activity for the Company's common stock.

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable
judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence
on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved the construction of a rig;
competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks
associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism; risks
associated with a possible disruption in operations due to a war with Iraq;
and governmental regulations and environmental matters. A list of additional
risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

SOURCE Atwood Oceanics, Inc.

Jim Holland, +1-281-749-7804, for Atwood Oceanics, Inc.