25/10/2026
A serious offshore drilling incident has been reported off the coast of Gabon after the Prospector 5 jack-up rig experienced a punch-through event during preload operations and subsequently sank.
The rig reportedly has just concluded operations with Eni in Congo in late May 2026 and commenced operations with BW Energy in Gabon in early July 2026
While preload activities are a standard part of preparing a jack-up rig for drilling, punch-through events can occur when the seabed cannot adequately support the rig's legs. The incident is expected to draw significant attention from offshore operators and drilling contractors as investigators work to understand what happened.
Read the full report on Oil and Gas World:
https://oilandgas.world/prospector-5-rig-sinks-offshore-gabon-punch-through-event/