Borr Drilling reported three deaths after the Prospector 5 sinking off Gabon and said two others remained unaccounted for in an update issued on 29 October 2026.
The company said it had been informed that a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) had found three bodies underwater. Work to recover them was continuing, while rescue teams maintained their search for the other two people.
All 110 survivors from the 115 people aboard have reached shore. They are staying in Gabon, where the contractor is arranging lodging and providing care and assistance. Chief executive Bruno Morand said the company was prioritising assistance to families, efforts to find those missing and recovery work.
Built in 2014, the jack-up sank on 24 October while preparing to drill for BW Energy at the Dussafu licence. Borr Drilling said the accident happened at about 20:37 local time during jacking operations.
In its 25 October announcement, Borr Drilling said preliminary information suggested a punch-through during preloading had caused the rig to lose stability and sink.
The rig was carrying about 280 cubic metres of marine diesel when the accident happened. Borr Drilling said it was working with its client and local authorities to deploy resources and take steps to limit environmental harm.
