The fifth and final body of the missing worker from the Prospector 5 platform incident belonging to Borr Drilling off the coast of Gabon has been found. This incident occurred on October 24, 2023, which led to the sinking of the drilling platform. Gabonese authorities have confirmed this news and stated that this body was recovered after the identification of four other bodies from the sunken site.
Details of the Incident and Independent Investigations
Borr Drilling has confirmed that it has initiated an independent investigation to examine the causes of this incident. For this purpose, the company has hired a reputable international institute that specializes in maritime accident investigations. Bruno Mohn, CEO of Borr Drilling, stated that investigators will examine all possible causes of the incident and will evaluate the available evidence before reaching a final conclusion.
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The Prospector 5 platform, built in 2014, had 115 people on board at the time of sinking, of which 110 were rescued and transferred to shore at the port of Gentil. Initial information suggests that this incident may have been caused by an intrusion incident during pre-loading operations, but Borr has emphasized that no cause will be ruled out from the investigations.
Economic Consequences and Future of Drilling in Gabon
The Prospector 5 platform was being prepared for a drilling campaign for BW Energy in the development of Dussafu. This incident has led BW Energy to suspend its capital investment budget for 2026, amounting to $600 to $650 million, and to reevaluate its phase two drilling program for the MaBoMo development.
Following this incident, production at the MaBoMo facilities resumed on October 28. BW Energy has stated that no serious damage has been inflicted on its production infrastructure. Gabonese authorities have also initiated technical and judicial investigations into this incident.
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