Five workers dead after Borr Drilling Rig sinks off Gabon

Five workers died after Borr Drilling’s jack-up rig Prospector 5 sank off Gabon on October 24. The other 110 people on board were rescued and brought ashore to Port-Gentil. Authorities have recovered all five bodies, bringing the search and rescue operation to an end. The Maritime Telegraph reports on the latest developments.

The rig sank in the Dussafu Marin permit area during preparations for a drilling campaign for BW Energy. It had not yet started drilling. Borr Drilling’s preliminary findings point to a possible “punch-through” during preload operations. This happens when a jack-up rig’s legs unexpectedly penetrate the seabed, affecting its stability. However, the company says it has not ruled out other possible causes.

Borr Drilling has appointed an independent investigator to examine the accident. An internationally recognised classification society with experience in offshore and maritime investigations will review the available evidence and assess what led to the rig’s loss of stability. Gabonese authorities have also launched technical and judicial investigations.

The sinking has raised environmental concerns. The rig reportedly carried around 280 cubic metres of marine diesel. Borr Drilling, BW Energy and the local authorities are working together to assess the potential impact and limit any pollution. The extent of any fuel release has not yet been established.

 

Picture: @seaandcoast1 / Х