Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 8-K

 


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) April 26, 2007

 


TIDEWATER INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   1-6311   72-0487776
(State of incorporation)   (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900   70130
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(504) 568-1010

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrants under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Item 8.01. Other Events

In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company notes that certain statements set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K provide other than historical information and are forward looking. The actual achievement of any forecasted results, or the unfolding of future economic or business developments in a way anticipated or projected by the Company, involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Among those risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, include, without limitation, fluctuations in oil and gas prices; level of fleet additions by competitors and vessel overcapacity; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for exploration, development and production; changing customer demands for different vessel specifications which may make some of our vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; acts of terrorism; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, especially in higher risk countries of operations; foreign currency fluctuations; and environmental and labor laws. Readers should consider all of these risk factors as well as other information contained in this report.

On April 26, 2007, the company issued a press release announcing that it is conducting an internal investigation of its Nigerian operations, focusing on the legality, under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and local laws, of its Nigerian affiliate’s reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by a customs agent in connection with the temporary importation of its vessels into Nigeria, particularly the obtaining of certain permits that are necessary for the company’s vessels to operate in Nigerian offshore waters. The company has voluntarily contacted the Securities and Exchange commission and the United States Department of Justice to advise both agencies that an internal investigation is underway and that it intends to cooperate fully with both agencies.

The press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and is incorporate herein by reference as if fully set forth.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (c) Exhibits

The following exhibits are furnished with this Form 8-K:

 

99.1   Press Release dated April 26, 2007.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:  

/s/ J. Keith Lousteau

  J. Keith Lousteau
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 26, 2007

 

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