Energy
Three dead and two missing after rig sinks off Gabon
Search and recovery operations continue off the coast of Gabon following the sinking of a Borr Drilling jack-up rig during preload activities.
Key points
- Three fatalities confirmed after an underwater ROV located bodies near the sunken Prospector 5 rig.
- Search and rescue teams continue to look for two workers still unaccounted for.
- The incident occurred during jacking operations for BW Energy at the Dussafu license.
What happened
According to Offshore Energy, drilling contractor Borr Drilling has confirmed three deaths following the sinking of the Prospector 5 jack-up rig offshore Gabon. The incident took place on October 24, 2026, when the unit encountered a punch through event during preload operations. This led to stability issues and the subsequent loss of the vessel.
At the time of the event, the rig was carrying 115 personnel while preparing for a drilling campaign supporting BW Energy at the Dussafu license. Out of the total personnel onboard, 110 individuals returned safely to land in Gabon, where they receive ongoing support and accommodation from the company. Underwater remotely operated vehicles subsequently located three bodies, prompting active recovery efforts alongside the continued search for the two remaining missing workers.
Bruno Morand, CEO of Borr Drilling, stated in Offshore Energy that the company is deeply saddened by the development and focused on supporting affected families and ongoing operations.
Environmental measures
Reports indicate that approximately 280 cubic meters of marine diesel fuel remained on the rig when it sank. Borr Drilling announced that it is working alongside local authorities and its customer to deploy resources aimed at mitigating potential environmental consequences.
Why it matters
This tragic event highlights the persistent operational risks inherent in offshore oil and gas exploration across the African continent. For nations like Gabon, where fuel exports accounted for 54 percent of merchandise exports in 2023 according to World Bank figures, offshore assets remain vital to national revenues. However, incidents of this nature remind energy investors, regulators, and operators in Nigeria and across broader African basins of the critical need for stringent safety protocols during preload and jacking activities. Ensuring strict adherence to international safety standards helps safeguard the workforce and protects fragile marine ecosystems from accidental fuel releases.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
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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.
