An offshore oil rig has sunk off the coast of Gabon, leaving at least one person dead and four others missing, according to reports. The Prospector 5 rig collapsed into the sea at 8:37 pm on Saturday, with around 115 people on board.
Collapse and Casualties
Footage showed the rig shuddering before toppling over into the water. Gabonese authorities have confirmed that three of the five casualties are from Gabon. At least four UK nationals are being supported by the British Foreign Office in Gabon, although no Brits are believed to be among the missing or dead.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are providing support to a number of British Nationals in Gabon and remain in contact with the local authorities."
Operator Statement
The rig, previously stationed off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea, is operated by Borr Drilling Ltd. The company confirmed that the rig sank while carrying out jacking operations in preparation for a planned drilling campaign. A company spokesperson reportedly said the rig had suffered a "punch-through event", where a foundation leg breaks through the seabed, causing sudden instability.
A statement from Borr Drilling read: "Of the 115 personnel on board, 110 are safe and accounted for. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the five individuals who remain unaccounted for. The Company is in contact with the families of the missing personnel.
"The 110 personnel accounted for are being brought ashore in Gabon, where care and support is being provided."
Investigation Launched
Borr Drilling's onshore emergency response team continues to work with local authorities and the customer to respond to the incident and support those affected. Extensive marine and air search and rescue operations remain ongoing. The company is working with partners and authorities to ensure a robust investigation is carried out, while the immediate priority remains the search and rescue efforts to locate the missing individuals.
Gabon's national Petroleum and Gas Minister Clotaire Kondja has also said that an investigation is being conducted into the incident.
