Borr Drilling’s jack-up Prospector 5 was preparing to drill for BW Energy
Five people are missing after Borr Drilling’s jack-up rig Prospector 5 on Saturday sank as it was preparing for a drilling campaign for BW Energy offshore Gabon.
Borr Drilling an BW Energy on Sunday confirmed the incident occurred at 20.37 local time (19.37 GMT) on Saturday when the Prospector 5 was jacking up in preparation for a planned drilling programme on the Dussafu Marine licence. During jacking operations, the rig experienced a loss of stability and subsequently sank.
“Preliminary information indicates that the rig experienced a punch through event during preload activities, resulting in loss of stability and the subsequent sinking of the rig,” Borr said in a statement.
At the time of the incident there were 115 people onboard the Prospector 5. One hundred and ten personnel have been safely accounted for while five remain missing, the companies stated.
Borr’s onshore emergency response team has been activated. The drilling contractor added it is working with local authorities and BW Energy to respond to the incident support those affected, and search for missing personnel.
Extensive search and rescue operations ongoing, added Borr.
There were no reports of injuries or fatalities at the time of publication.
Borr Drilling’s immediate and overriding priority is the safety and wellbeing of all personnel affected by this incident. Family members who are still seeking information or assistance may contact the team at +44 (0)1224 087026, the contractor said.
“We are deeply concerned for those who remain unaccounted for and everyone affected by this incident. Our immediate priority is supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts and the welfare of all personnel involved,” said Borr Drilling chief executive Bruno Morand.
BW Energy agreed its overriding priority is the safety of all personnel.
“The company is supporting the ongoing search and rescue operations in close coordination with the drilling contractor Borr Drilling, relevant authorities and emergency responders,” BW said in a statement.
In accordance with standard procedure during the drilling preparations, production at BW Energy’s MaBoMo facility is shut down.
There has been no reported damage to the facility or related equipment, nor any accidental discharge of harmful substances to the sea from the facility, added BW Energy.
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