On October 24, 2023, the Prospector 5 drilling rig owned by Bur sank off the coast of Gabon, leading to one death and four others missing. The incident occurred during jack-up operations prior to the start of a planned drilling campaign in the Dosafou Marin license area and near the Ma Bomo production facilities.
Details of the incident and the status of the missing
According to initial information, the Prospector 5 rig encountered a phenomenon known as "punch-through" during pre-loading activities, which led to a loss of stability and ultimately its sinking. Of the 115 personnel present on the rig, 110 were successfully rescued after the incident. Reports indicate that the deceased was an Indian national, and the four missing individuals include three Gabonese citizens and one other foreign national.
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Reactions from officials and actions taken
The Gabonese Ministry of Oil and Gas has activated a crisis unit and requested additional maritime support for search and rescue operations. The ministry also ordered a technical investigation into the incident. Production at the Ma Bomo facilities has been halted following the incident, and no damage to facilities or related equipment, nor any discharge of hazardous materials, has been reported.
The Prospector 5 rig, owned by Bur, was contracted to support the lake drilling operations of BW Energy in Gabon and had not yet commenced drilling. Bur's CEO, Bruno Morin, stated: "We are deeply concerned for those who are still unaccounted for and for all those affected by this incident. Our immediate priority is to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts and the well-being of all personnel involved."
According to reports, the casualty figures are still being officially confirmed. While reports of one death and four missing individuals have been released, Gabonese officials continue to declare five individuals as missing.
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