BW Energy confirmed that an incident occurred on the Dussafu Marine license offshore Gabon on Saturday, Oct. 24, involving the Prospector 5 jack-up drilling rig, owned and operated by Borr Drilling.

The rig experienced a loss of stability and subsequently sank during jacking operations in preparation for a planned drilling campaign. At the time of the incident, there were 115 people onboard, five of which still remain missing as of Oct. 26.

The company is supporting the ongoing search and rescue operations in close coordination with drilling contractor Borr Drilling, relevant authorities, and emergency responders.

Production at the MaBoMo installation remains shut down in accordance with standard procedure during ongoing drilling preparations. There has been no reported damage to the facility or related equipment, nor any accidental discharge of harmful substances to the sea from the site.

BW Energy holds a 73.5% operated interest in the Dussafu license, which lies within the 850-sq km Ruche Exclusive Exploitation Area. Average water depth is 116 m. Fellow partners in the license include Panoro Energy ASA (17.5%) and Gabon Oil Co. (9%).