Moment a huge rig sinks into the ocean as search for survivors continues off Gabon
Rig sank off Gabon
The contractor said preliminary information pointed to a punch-through during preload activities, causing the rig to lose stability and sink. The permit lies off Gabon’s coast; BW Energy holds a 73.5 per cent working interest, and Panoro Energy holds 17.5 per cent.
Conflicting accounts of missing
An Indian national, initially among five people unaccounted for, was reported found dead. The government has not confirmed that death and says five people remain missing. The remaining four people described as missing include three Gabonese nationals and one other expatriate. Search efforts are ongoing.
Rescue and investigation underway
The ministry said it had activated a crisis unit and ordered the navy to strengthen search-and-rescue operations at sea. Petroleum and Gas Minister Clotaire Kondja also said a technical investigation had been ordered.
Borr Drilling Chief Executive Bruno Morand said the company was deeply concerned for those still unaccounted for and everyone affected. Panoro Energy said production was halted, with no reports of damage or accidental discharges.
Key points
- The Prospector 5 sank late Saturday off Gabon near Mayumba.
- The government says five people remain missing and search efforts continue.
- Officials have not confirmed the reported death of an Indian national.
- Production was halted, and a technical investigation was ordered.