The Prospector 5 jack-up rig sank off Mayumba, Gabon, on 24 October 2026 during preloading for a BW Energy campaign; of 115 aboard, 110 were accounted for, one died and four remain missing.

A possible seabed punch-through is suspected, though the cause is under investigation; nearby MaBoMo production was suspended with no reported damage or oil pollution.

The African Energy Chamber called for continued coordinated search efforts, family support and industry lessons to improve offshore safety.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) extends its deepest condolences to the people of Gabon, the families of the workers involved and the employees of BW Energy, Panoro Energy, Gabon Oil Company and Borr Drilling following the sinking of the Prospector 5 offshore Gabon. The Chamber expresses solidarity with those affected and calls for continued support as rescue operations proceed.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, October 24, 2026, during preparations for a drilling campaign on the Dussafu licence, where the rig was scheduled to work for BW Energy. The jack-up rig lost stability and sank off the coast of........

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