Prospector 5: three bodies located in wreck; two people still missing
Gabon’s Navy reports an underwater discovery on 28 October. Identification has not been possible and recovery operations are being prepared.
Updated 29.10.2026 · 12:11, Athens time — What changed
Three bodies were located on 28 October inside the still-submerged Prospector 5 wreck, according to the Gabonese Navy chief’s statement reproduced by state news agency AGP on 29 October. Two people remain missing, while 110 have been rescued.
The discovery followed underwater inspections using a remotely operated vehicle. The statement says the images do not permit identification and technical teams are preparing recovery operations. Location is therefore not presented here as completed recovery, despite different shorthand wording in Reuters’ report.
The statement also says the Tchibanga prosecutor’s investigation, opened on 25 October, continues, alongside searches for the two missing people. The rig sank on 24 October during drilling preparations, as confirmed in earlier company releases. No final finding on causes or responsibility is published.
Previous updates — history
Five people remain missing after the Prospector 5 offshore drilling rig sank off Gabon, according to Borr Drilling and BW Energy statements issued on 25 October 2026. The companies say 110 of the 115 people onboard have been safely accounted for and search and rescue operations continue.
What happened
The companies place the incident at 20:37 local time on 24 October, during preparations for drilling on the Dussafu Marine licence. The Borr-owned and operated rig lost stability during jacking operations.
The MaBoMo update
BW Energy says production at the MaBoMo facility is shut down under standard drilling-preparation procedures. It reports no damage to that facility or related equipment and no harmful discharge to the sea from the facility. This wording is not a comprehensive independent environmental assessment of the maritime incident.
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