UPDATE 1-Seahawk Drilling posts Q3 loss; says optimistic for '10

* Q3 shr loss $2.79 vs EPS of $3.77

* Q3 sales down 59 pct

* Says "cautiously optimistic" for 2010

* Says inquiries for work in U.S. GoM increasing

* Shares down 3 pct

Nov 12 (Reuters) - Seahawk Drilling Inc (HAWK.O) reported a third-quarter loss with sales falling 59 percent on weakness across its business segments, but the offshore driller said it was cautiously optimistic for 2010.

The company, which was spun-off from Pride International Inc (PDE.N) in August, said inquiries for work in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico shelf had continued to increase over the last several weeks.

"We are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for 2010, and it appears that many customers now want to take advantage of improved natural gas prices and reduced well costs," Chief Executive Randall Stilley said.

For the latest third quarter, Seahawk reported a loss of $32.4 million, or $2.79 a share, compared with earnings of $43.6 million, or $3.77 a share, last year.