Four fatalities as search for missing worker continues: Independent investigation into tragic rig incident underway

As search and rescue operations continue in the waters off Gabon, one worker remains unaccounted for following the sinking of a 2014-built jack-up rig. Bermuda-headquartered offshore drilling contractor Borr Drilling has disclosed the start of an independent probe to establish the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

In an update on the Prospector 5 incident in Gabonese waters, Borr Drilling confirmed that the body of a fourth individual was located, with one more offshore worker still missing after the 2014-built jack-up experienced a punch-through event at approximately 20:37 local time on October 24, 2026, during preload activities, which led to loss of stability and the subsequent sinking of the rig with 115 personnel on board.

The rig owner emphasized: “All four located individuals have been recovered and are in the process of being transported to Port Gentil, Gabon. Search efforts continue for the remaining individual who is still unaccounted for.”

At the time of the incident, Prospector 5 was conducting jacking operations offshore Gabon for a planned campaign to support BW Energy's drilling operations at the Dussafu license.

This story was originally published by Offshore Energy. Read the full story at Offshore Energy →