X0303 4 2009-10-21 1 0001022345 MARINER ENERGY INC ME 0001030191 KARNES JOHN H JR ONE BRIARLAKE PLAZA, SUITE 2000 2000 WEST SAM HOUSTON PARKWAY SOUTH HOUSTON TX 77042 0 1 0 0 Sr. VP, CFO & Treasurer Common Stock 2009-10-21 4 F 0 35257 D 117630 D Common Stock 2009-10-21 4 D 0 39510 D 78120 D On October 21, 2009, 96,751 shares of the issuer's common stock granted to the reporting person under the issuer's Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated from time to time (the "Plan"), vested. To satisfy withholding tax obligations in connection with the vesting, the issuer withheld the shares this Form reports were disposed. In accordance with the Plan, the number of shares withheld was determined by reference to the closing price per share of the issuer's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on October 20, 2009 of $16.09. Forfeited shares of restricted stock under the Plan's 2008 Long-Term Performance-Based Restricted Stock Program. John H. Karnes by Teresa G. Bushman pursuant to Power of Attorney dated October 17, 2006 (previously filed as Exhibit 24 to Mr. Karnes' Form 3 filed on October 20, 2006) 2009-10-23