After the Prospector 5 jack-up drilling rig lost stability and sank off the coast of Gabon late Saturday night, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation for the 115 offshore workers on board, 110 personnel have been safely accounted for. The fate of the remaining five is still unknown, leaving families and colleagues anxiously awaiting news as the search continues.
Borr Drilling has disclosed that an incident occurred at approximately 20:37 local time on October 24, 2026, involving the 2014-built Prospector 5 rig while conducting jacking operations offshore Gabon in preparation for a planned campaign to support BW Energy's drilling operations at the Dussafu license.
Based on the preliminary information, the jack-up experienced a punch through event during preload activities, resulting in loss of stability and the subsequent sinking of the rig. The Prospector 5 is a Friede & Goldman (F&G) JU-2000E class, self-elevating jack-up drilling unit designed to operate in water depths of up to 400 feet and capable of drilling down to 35,000 feet.
At the time of the incident, there were 115 personnel on board the rig. Both Borr Drilling and BW Energy have confirmed that a total of 110 individuals have been safely accounted for; however, five workers remain unaccounted for, with extensive search and rescue operations ongoing.
The rig owner’s onshore emergency response team is working with local authorities and BW Energy to respond to the incident, support those affected, and search for missing personnel.
“Borr Drilling's immediate and overriding priority is the safety and wellbeing of all personnel affected by this incident. Family members who are still seeking information or assistance may contact the team at +44 (0)1224 087026,” emphasized the company.
BW Energy has also underlined that its overriding priority is the safety of all personnel, as it continues to support the ongoing search and rescue operations in close coordination with the drilling contractor, relevant authorities, and emergency responders.
While explaining that the production at the MaBoMo facility is shut down in accordance with standard procedure during ongoing drilling preparations, the company stresses that there has been no reported damage to the facility or related equipment, nor any accidental discharge of harmful substances to the sea from the facility.
Bruno Morand, CEO of Borr Drilling, highlighted: “We are deeply concerned for those who remain unaccounted for and everyone affected by this incident. Our immediate priority is supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts and the welfare of all personnel involved.”