A massive search and rescue operation is currently underway off the coast of Gabon after the Prospector 5 jackup drilling rig sank late Saturday night. The incident occurred during positioning operations, forcing the evacuation of most of the crew while leaving five personnel unaccounted for in the Atlantic waters.
The sinking took place at approximately 21:40 local time on October 24, 2026, within the Dussafu Marin permit area off the coast of Mayumba. According to preliminary findings from the rig’s owner and operator, Borr Drilling, the vessel suffered what is known in the industry as a “punch-through event.” This occurs when one of the rig’s support legs unexpectedly penetrates the seabed during preload activities, leading to a sudden and catastrophic loss of stability. The Prospector 5 had not yet begun drilling and was in the process of preparing for a campaign to support operations for BW Energy when the failure occurred.
Of the 115 personnel on board at the time of the incident, 110 have been safely accounted for. There has been conflicting information regarding the status of the remaining five workers. While some early reports indicated that one fatality had been confirmed, Borr Drilling issued a statement on October 26 clarifying that five personnel remain missing and no deaths have been officially confirmed. The group of missing workers reportedly includes three Gabonese nationals and two expatriates.
“We are deeply concerned for those who remain unaccounted for and everyone affected by this incident,” said Bruno Morand, CEO of Borr Drilling. “Our immediate priority is supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts and the welfare of all personnel involved.”
In response to the emergency, Gabon’s Ministry of Petroleum and Gas has activated a high-level crisis unit. This unit coordinates efforts between the ministry, the Gabonese navy, the state-owned Gabon Oil company, BW Energy, and Borr Drilling. Petroleum and Gas Minister Clotaire Kondja has ordered an intensification of the marine and aerial search for the missing crew members and has mandated a formal technical investigation into the cause of the sinking.
The rig was stationed near the MaBoMo production facility at the time of the accident. BW Energy, the lead operator of the Dussafu license, confirmed that production at the facility was shut down as a standard safety precaution during the drilling rig’s arrival and setup. Both BW Energy and its partner, Panoro Energy, have stated that the MaBoMo facility and related infrastructure sustained no damage. Importantly, environmental monitoring has so far shown no signs of oil spills or the discharge of harmful substances into the sea following the rig’s descent.
The offshore industry in Gabon has faced scrutiny following previous safety incidents, including a fatal fire at a separate platform in March 2024 that resulted in five deaths. As search and rescue teams continue to scour the area near Mayumba, officials emphasize that casualty figures and the detailed timeline of the seabed failure remain subject to further investigation.
