Gabon: Prospector 5 Drilling Rig Sinks off Mayumba, Five People Still Missing

As of 26 October 2026, search and rescue operations are continuing off the Gabonese coast following the sinking of the Prospector 5 jack-up drilling rig on 24 October at the Dussafu Marin oil licence. Of the 115 people on board at the time of the accident, 110 have been found safe and are being evacuated to shore. Five people remain missing.

An Accident During Preparations for a Drilling Campaign

Gabon’s oil sector is facing a serious offshore accident. On Saturday, 24 October 2026, the Prospector 5 jack-up drilling rig sank off Mayumba, at the Dussafu Marin oil licence, during preparatory operations for a drilling campaign.

According to information released by BW Energy and Borr Drilling, the incident occurred at approximately 8:37 p.m. local time. The rig, owned and operated by Borr Drilling on behalf of BW Energy Gabon, was carrying out jacking and preloading operations near the Nabogo production facility.

According to preliminary information released by Borr Drilling, a sudden seabed subsidence beneath the rig’s supporting legs may have occurred during the preloading operations. This phenomenon is believed to have caused the rig to lose stability before sinking.

The exact circumstances of the accident remain to be established through a technical investigation.

110 People Rescued, Five Still Missing

At the time of the accident, 115 people were on board the Prospector 5. As of 26 October, 110 people had been located safe, while five others remained missing.

Extensive search and rescue operations are continuing by sea and air. Borr Drilling’s emergency response teams are working in coordination with local authorities, rescue teams and BW Energy to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected.

In its situation update published on 26 October, Borr Drilling stated that the 110 people found safe were being evacuated to the Gabonese coast, where they would receive medical care and support.

The company also confirmed that it was in contact with the families of the missing individuals. A dedicated telephone line has been made available for enquiries and assistance: +44 (0)1224 087026.

The immediate priority for the teams involved remains the continuation of search operations and the care of those rescued.

Gabonese Government Mobilises Rescue Resources

On the day following the accident, 25 October 2026, Minister of Petroleum and Gas Clotaire Kondja provided an update on the situation, the search and rescue operations, and the measures taken by the Gabonese authorities.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Gas requested that the National Navy reinforce the resources deployed at sea alongside the operator and the drilling contractor.

A crisis management unit was also activated on Sunday, 25 October, under the authority of the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas. It brings together the relevant government departments and organisations, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, the National Navy, the National Agency for National Parks and Gabon Oil Company, the State’s partner in the licence, as well as BW Energy and Borr Drilling.

A family support arrangement has been established in coordination with BW Energy. Families are to be given priority in receiving updates on developments in the search operations.

This mobilisation aims to coordinate emergency responses, support those affected and monitor the situation amid the urgency of the ongoing search operations.

No Release of Harmful Substances Reported So Far

Beyond the human toll, the potential environmental consequences of the sinking are also receiving particular attention.

According to information provided by Gabon’s Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, no release of harmful substances has been detected at this stage. BW Energy has likewise stated that no accidental discharge of harmful substances into the sea from the rig has been reported.

The area is under continuous surveillance. Pollution response resources remain on standby to protect the coastline and Mayumba National Park.

BW Energy has also confirmed that production at the MaBoMo facility has been suspended, in accordance with standard procedures followed during preparations for drilling operations. The company has reported no damage to the facility or its associated equipment.

These initial findings will need to be monitored as the situation develops and the relevant teams carry out further checks.

Technical Investigation to Establish the Cause of the Accident

Gabon’s Ministry of Petroleum and Gas has ordered a technical investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking and determine any potential liability.

The operator, BW Energy, and the contractor, Borr Drilling, are required to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Borr Drilling has stated that it is working with its partners and the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident. The company has mobilised its onshore emergency response team to coordinate its response, support those affected and contribute to the search and rescue operations.

In his statement on 25 October, Borr Drilling Chief Executive Officer Bruno Morand expressed deep concern for the people who remained missing and for everyone affected by the accident. He reaffirmed that the company’s priority was to support the ongoing search efforts and safeguard the well-being of the personnel involved.

“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.”

Human Toll Remains Uncertain

The sinking of the Prospector 5 represents a serious incident for Gabon’s offshore oil operations. As the search continues for the five missing individuals, the authorities and companies involved remain focused on three priorities: rescue operations, support for the families and the prevention of environmental risks.

As of 26 October 2026, the precise causes of the sinking have not yet been officially established. The findings of the technical investigation will be essential to understanding the circumstances that led to the rig’s loss of stability and determining any potential liability.

For now, attention remains focused on search operations at sea and by air, with hopes of finding the five people who are still missing.