Energy
Three bodies recovered after rig sinks offshore Gabon
Search and rescue operations continue offshore Gabon following the sinking of the Prospector 5 drilling rig during jacking operations.
Key points
- Three bodies have been found following the sinking of the Prospector 5 rig offshore Gabon, according to Borr Drilling.
- Out of 110 personnel returned ashore, search and rescue teams continue to look for two missing individuals.
- BW Energy stated that production from the MaBoMo facility has resumed following temporary safety shutdowns.
What happened
According to Rigzone reporting, Borr Drilling Limited confirmed that three bodies have been recovered following the sinking of the Prospector 5 jack-up drilling rig offshore Gabon. The incident occurred on October 24 at approximately 8:37 PM local time during jacking operations in preparation for a drilling campaign. Preliminary information indicates the rig suffered a punch-through event during preload activities, resulting in a loss of stability.
Out of the 115 personnel on board, 110 have returned ashore and are receiving support in Gabon. Recovery efforts are underway, while search operations continue for two individuals who remain unaccounted for. Borr Drilling noted that approximately 280 cubic meters of marine diesel fuel were onboard, and mitigation measures have been deployed in coordination with customer BW Energy and local authorities.
Operational updates
BW Energy confirmed that production at the MaBoMo facility was temporarily halted as a standard safety procedure during drilling preparations but has since resumed. Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy, stated in a results statement that the incident impacts the timing of development barrels rather than the underlying resources. The company maintains its broader production target of over 100,000 barrels per day by 2028, supported by projects in Brazil, Gabon, and Angola.
Why it matters
Offshore incidents highlight the inherent operational risks and safety challenges associated with upstream oil and gas exploration in Central Africa. For oil-dependent economies in the region where fuel exports account for a substantial share of merchandise trade—such as Gabon, where World Bank data for 2023 shows fuel exports represent 54 percent of merchandise exports—unplanned disruptions to drilling schedules can influence medium-term output timelines. Energy investors and operators continue to monitor safety protocols, environmental containment measures, and regulatory compliance closely to mitigate both human and ecological risks during deepwater and shallow-water campaigns across the continent.
Original reporting
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Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
