I had no idea that there were so many wells in the Gulf drilled in deep water.
There are about 55 drilled in water depths of 5000 feet or more, the deepest in over 9000 feet of water, (Shell, Chevron), that have encountered hydrocarbons.
These lengths of drill pipe probably have the rigidity of string.

The companies all seem to be American or British based, except for ENI (Italy) and Petrobras (Brazil).