We arrived at Transect EG64 after a long and productive period on Transect EG65, using the transit time to repair the umbilical cable that was damaged while drilling on Transect EG65. On the evening of 9 September 1999, we began collecting a 63-km-long sparker line (DLC99-4). This work was completed during the morning of 10 September when we positioned ourselves to drill Site SEG67. Further repairs to the power cable delayed drilling until late morning. Drilling at Site SEG67 was abandoned because of thick sediment cover. Sites SEG68 and SEG69 were occupied but encountered similar sediment overburden and recurring problems with the dynamic Global Positioning System system that resulted in a loss of positioning signals. Subsequently, coring at Site SEG70 and the first attempt at Site SEG71 were successful, although the rig tilted and fell over several times on subsequent landing attempts at Site SEG71. Drilling at the last site (SEG72) penetrated to its full depth without resistance. Only mud was recovered. On recovery of the drill rig it was discovered that the cable was damaged and that major repairs would be necessary before drilling could resume. We departed Transect EG64 in the morning of 11 September to resume drilling operations in the Transect EG65 area.