Three bodies located following Borr Drilling rig sinking offshore Gabon

Borr Drilling has confirmed that the bodies of three individuals have been located during ongoing search and rescue operations following the sinking of its Prospector 5 offshore drilling rig near Gabon. Two other people remain unaccounted for, with recovery and search operations continuing.

In an update issued on 29 October 2026, the company said an underwater remotely operated vehicle had located the three bodies. Recovery efforts are underway, while search and rescue teams continue working to locate the two missing individuals.

There were 115 personnel aboard the Prospector 5 when the incident occurred on 24 October. Of those, 110 have returned safely ashore and remain in Gabon, where Borr Drilling is providing accommodation, care and ongoing support.

The incident occurred while the jack-up drilling rig was conducting jacking operations in preparation for a planned drilling campaign offshore Gabon. According to the company’s initial announcement, preliminary information indicated that the rig experienced a punch-through event during preload activities, resulting in a loss of stability and its subsequent sinking.

The Prospector 5 was owned and operated by Borr Drilling and had been contracted to support BW Energy’s offshore drilling operations.

Bruno Morand, CEO of Borr Drilling, said the company was deeply saddened by the development and remained focused on supporting affected families and the ongoing search and recovery efforts.

The company is working with local authorities and its customer in responding to the incident. An investigation into the circumstances of the sinking is also being pursued, although the immediate priority remains the search for missing personnel and support for those affected.

Borr Drilling additionally confirmed that approximately 280 cubic metres of marine diesel fuel were onboard the rig at the time of the incident.

According to the company, resources have been mobilised in coordination with its customer and local authorities to mitigate and minimise any potential environmental impact. The announcement did not confirm whether a fuel release had occurred.

Further information on the recovery operation and the status of the two missing individuals has not yet been provided.