Rig Sinking Incident: Search Continues for Five Missing as ‘Robust’ Probe Looms

October 26, 2026 · 10 hours ago

Borr Drilling has emphasized that search and rescue mission for five offshore workers that are still missing remains the “overriding priority.”

As search and rescue crews continue to comb the waters off the coast of Gabon for five missing personnel following the sinking of a 2014-built jack-up rig, Bermuda-headquartered offshore drilling contractor Borr Drilling has confirmed that 110 of the 115 people on board have been safely accounted for and brought ashore, while assuring that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident will be conducted to determine how this tragedy unfolded.

The rig owner’s 2014-built Prospector 5 rig experienced a punch through event at approximately 20:37 local time on October 24, 2026, during preload activities, resulting in loss of stability and the subsequent sinking of the rig, based on preliminary information. 

The rig was conducting jacking operations offshore Gabon at the time of the incident in preparation for a planned campaign to support BW Energy's drilling operations at the Dussafu license.