Evaluation of logging showed the Cretaceous Nubia sandstones were water-bearing at this location, according to Oil Search, which holds a 100% stake in this well.
As a result, West Zeit-X1 has been suspended so it can be sidetracked at a later date.
The West Zeit prospect was the first to be drilled in the Wadi Dara exploration concession, and targeted the Cretaceous Nubia sandstones.
Oil Search is moving the rig to the next well location, South Gharib-X1.
Elsewhere in the country, Oil Search and its operator Sipetrol International are preparing to spud the Salma-1 well.
The Salma prospect was described as a high-risk, high-reward stratigraphic trap about 5km west of Raheek-1, which earlier this month encountered 13 feet of hydrocarbon pay.
Salma-1 is targeting the the Bahariya and Kharita formations, as well as the productive Alam el Boueib formation for the first time in this exploration program.
