/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./
TSX SYMBOL: TDG

CALGARY, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of Trinidad Drilling Ltd. ("Trinidad") declared a cash dividend for the third quarter of 2008 of $0.15 per common share to be paid October 15, 2008 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2008. The dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian Income Tax purposes.

Trinidad is a growth oriented corporation that trades on the TSX under the symbol TDG. Trinidad's divisions operate in the drilling, well servicing, coring and barge drilling sectors of the North American oil and gas industry. With the completion of the current rig construction programs, Trinidad will have 126 drilling rigs ranging in depths from 1,000 - 6,500 metres. In addition to its drilling rigs, Trinidad will have 26 service rigs, 20 pre-set and coring rigs and 4 barge rigs currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Trinidad is focused on providing modern, reliable, expertly designed equipment operated by well-trained and experienced personnel. Trinidad's drilling fleet is one of the most adaptable, technologically advanced and competitive in the industry.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares in any jurisdiction. The shares offered will not be and have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a United States person, absent registration, or an applicable exemption therefrom.