As search and rescue operations continue in the waters off Gabon, one worker remains unaccounted for following the sinking of a 2014-built jack-up rig. Bermuda-headquartered offshore drilling contractor Borr Drilling has disclosed the start of an independent probe to establish the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
In an update on the Prospector 5 incident in Gabonese waters, Borr Drilling confirmed that the body of a fourth individual was located, with one more offshore worker still missing after the 2014-built jack-up experienced a punch-through event at approximately 20:37 local time on October 24, 2026, during preload activities, which led to loss of stability and the subsequent sinking of the rig with 115 personnel on board.
The rig owner emphasized: “All four located individuals have been recovered and are in the process of being transported to Port Gentil, Gabon. Search efforts continue for the remaining individual who is still unaccounted for.”
At the time of the incident, Prospector 5 was conducting jacking operations offshore Gabon for a planned campaign to support BW Energy's drilling operations at the Dussafu license.
Following the incident, 110 out of the 115 personnel aboard the rig were safely rescued and returned ashore, where they were provided with accommodation, care, and support.
"This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, and above all, for the families and loved ones of the four individuals who have lost their lives and for the individual who remains missing. Our priority remains staying close to them and our employees, providing all the care and support we can. It is also critically important to establish a thorough and objective understanding of what occurred and all possible causes of a catastrophic loss of stability are in scope and will be considered. The investigation will fully consider all evidence and assess every potential cause before reaching a final determination."
Since the offshore drilling contractor remains committed to an independent and objective process to determine the root cause of the incident, the firm will continue to cooperate fully and transparently with the relevant authorities and other parties involved.
Borr Drilling highlighted: “The company has engaged a globally recognized classification society with extensive experience in offshore and maritime incident investigations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.”