GABON – Borr Drilling rig sinks offshore Gabon, five workers missing

The Prospector 5 drilling rig sank offshore Gabon on October 24, 2026, after reportedly losing stability during preload activities, leaving five workers unaccounted for and triggering a search and rescue operation.

The incident occurred at approximately 20:37 local time, when 115 personnel were on board. Borr Drilling, the rig’s operator, confirmed that 110 people had been safely accounted for, while search efforts continued for the five others.

Preliminary information indicates that the rig experienced a punch-through event during preload activities. This occurs when a jack-up rig’s legs penetrate the seabed unexpectedly, potentially causing a sudden loss of stability. The incident reportedly led to the rig sinking, although the precise circumstances remain under investigation.

Reuters reported that an Indian national initially listed as missing had been found dead. The remaining four unaccounted-for workers were reported to include three Gabonese nationals and one other expatriate.

The incident occurred within the Dussafu Marine licence area, operated by BW Energy. The company confirmed that an incident had taken place offshore Gabon and said production at its MaBoMo wellhead platform had been shut down.

BW Energy reported no damage to the platform or associated equipment and no accidental discharge of harmful substances into the sea from the facility. The company also operates the Niosi and Guduma exploration licences offshore Gabon.

Borr Drilling said it had activated an onshore emergency response team and was working with BW Energy and local authorities to coordinate the response, support those affected and assist with the search for missing personnel.

Borr Drilling CEO Bruno Morand said the company was deeply concerned about those still unaccounted for and the impact of the incident on everyone involved.

“Our immediate priority is supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts and the welfare of all personnel involved,” Morand said.

The sinking recalls a similar incident in 2021, when a jack-up drilling rig owned by Malaysia’s Velesto Energy sank off the coast of Sarawak while working under contract for ConocoPhillips.

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