Borr Drilling Says Three Bodies Located After Prospector 5 Sank Off Gabon

Borr Drilling said on October 29 that an underwater remotely operated vehicle had located three bodies after its Prospector 5 rig sank offshore Gabon. Recovery work was underway, while two people remained unaccounted for and extensive search and rescue efforts continued. The company said 115 people had been aboard when the incident occurred. The company reported that 110 people had returned ashore and remained in Gabon, where they were receiving accommodation, care and support. Chief Executive Bruno Morand said: “Our immediate priority remains supporting the families and the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts.” Borr also disclosed that approximately 280 cubic metres of marine diesel were aboard the rig at the time of the incident. It said resources had been mobilised with its customer and local authorities to minimise environmental effects. The update did not report a confirmed fuel spill. In its initial October 25 disclosure, Borr said the rig had sunk on October 24 during jacking operations in preparation for a planned drilling campaign for BW Energy. Its preliminary account described a punch-through event during preload activities, followed by a loss of stability. Borr, which owns and operates Prospector 5, said its onshore emergency team had been activated and was working with the authorities and its customer.