Borr Drilling’s Prospector 5 Rig Sinks Near Gabon, 110 Rescued
Borr Drilling’s Prospector 5 jack-up rig sank off the coast of Gabon after a punch-through incident during preload operations led to a loss of stability. Out of the 115 crew members on board, five individuals remain missing, while 110 have been safely accounted for. Ongoing marine and aerial search and rescue efforts are focused on locating the missing personnel, with care being provided to those who have been brought ashore in Gabon.
Reports indicate that one deceased individual, identified as an Indian national, has been found, leaving four others unaccounted for, including three Gabonese nationals and another expatriate. However, the Gabonese government has not confirmed this death, insisting that five individuals are still missing. The incident transpired around 20:37 local time on October 24, as the Prospector 5 was engaged in jacking operations in preparation for a drilling campaign for BW Energy’s Dussafu Marine license.
In response to the incident, BW Energy has suspended production at its MaBoMo facility as a precautionary measure but reported no damage or environmental hazards. Borr Drilling is collaborating with local authorities and BW Energy to support the search for the missing crew and is maintaining communication with their families. The company has committed to a thorough investigation into the incident while prioritizing the welfare of all personnel involved.
