Abstract: A drilling apparatus for tapping into a fluid containing vessel from a valve device connected with the vessel. The apparatus is comprised of a housing having a lower end adapted for attachment of the apparatus to the valve device, the housing defining a housing bore, the housing bore defining a housing bore axis. A feed rod assembly is connected with the housing adjacent to the housing bore. In addition, a feed nut is connected with the feed rod assembly, the feed nut defining a first bore. A drilling rod extends through the housing bore and is rotatably supported in the first bore of the feed nut and a drilling bit is connected to a lower end of the drilling rod, for tapping into the vessel. Manipulation of the feed rod assembly results in axial movement of the feed nut and the drilling rod relative to the housing bore axis so that the drilling rod moves through the housing bore.