Full Breakdown
Prospector 5 Jack-Up Sinks Off Gabon During Preload Operations
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On Oct 25, the jack-up drilling unit Prospector 5 sank while conducting jacking operations off the coast of Gabon. Preliminary information indicates the rig suffered a “punch-through” event during preload activities, causing a loss of stability that led to the sinking. The incident occurred as the rig was preparing for a new drilling campaign.
Rig Specifications and Contractual Context
Prospector 5 is a Friede & Goldman (F&G) JU-2000E class jack-up designed for water depths up to 400 feet and capable of drilling to 35,000 feet. The unit is owned and operated by Borr Drilling, which has contracted the rig to support BW Energy’s offshore drilling program in Gabon. Panoro Energy, holding a 17.5 % stake in the field, is also linked to the operation.
Personnel Count and Missing Workers
At the time of the sinking, 115 personnel were aboard the rig. Borr Drilling and BW Energy confirmed that 110 individuals have been safely accounted for, while five workers remain unaccounted for. An extensive search and rescue effort is underway, coordinated by the rig owner’s on-shore emergency response team, local authorities, and BW Energy.
Official Statements & Responses
- BW Energy reiterated its “overriding priority” is the safety of all personnel and confirmed close coordination with the drilling contractor, relevant authorities, and emergency responders.
- Panoro Energy reported that production at the MaBoMo facility has been halted in line with standard procedures, and noted that there have been no reports of damage to the facility or accidental discharges of harmful substances into the sea.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are deeply concerned for those who remain unaccounted for and everyone affected by this incident,” — Borr Drilling Chief Executive