The Prospector 5 search continued for four people, Gabon’s naval chief and rescue commander said in a report published by Agence Gabonaise de Presse (AGP) on 27 October 2026. Vice-Admiral Bekale Meyong identified those being sought as three Gabonese nationals and one Croatian.

AGP reported that the commander considered an Indian national presumed dead, citing testimony from survivors. Borr Drilling, in its 26 October update, had listed five people as unaccounted for and confirmed the safety of 110 of the 115 aboard. That company statement did not confirm a death.

The resources assembled for the operation included an underwater remotely operated vehicle, 14 naval assets, five aerial assets and two drones, according to AGP. Congo provided a patrol vessel and a helicopter.

Alongside the search, assistance continued for those brought ashore. AGP said six survivors required further medical treatment after reaching Port-Gentil. The Gabonese government had pledged medical and psychological care, as well as regular updates to families. Borr Drilling said its shore-based emergency team was coordinating with authorities and its customer on the search and rescue response.

The government’s initial missing-person list, issued on 25 October, named Gabonese nationals Robert Moussavou, Adio Akinocho Irchade and Yann Ulrich Nkorouna Ogowe, together with Indian national Ajit Shivastav Rajendra and Croatian national Damir Parac.

Prospector 5 sank near Mayumba on 24 October while preparing for a drilling campaign for BW Energy. The following day, Borr Drilling attributed the loss of stability and sinking to a possible punch-through during preloading, based on preliminary information. This remained an initial account, rather than a final determination of the cause.

In its 26 October statement, the contractor said it was supporting an investigation with partners and authorities, while prioritising efforts to locate the missing personnel and assist survivors.