AEW community mourns Gabon rig tragedy, backs search for five missing workers
By Eyo Nsima
The African Energy Week (AEW) community has expressed deep condolences to the people of Gabon, the families of affected workers and the companies involved in the sinking of the Prospector 5 jack-up rig offshore Gabon, as the search continues for five missing workers.
Of the 115 people aboard the rig, 110 have been safely accounted for following the incident on Saturday evening in the waters of the Dussafu licence.
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, said the AEW community stood firmly with Gabon and the affected companies as search-and-rescue teams continued operations.
“Our deepest sympathy, prayers, and unwavering support” go to the people of Gabon, the affected families and the men and women of BW Energy, Panoro Energy, Gabon Oil Company and Borr Drilling, Ayuk said.
According to him, the rig lost stability while preparations were under way for a planned drilling campaign before sinking offshore.
“The immediate priority is clear: find the five workers who remain unaccounted for, care for those who have been rescued, and stand beside every family facing this painful uncertainty,” he said.
Ayuk urged all parties to remain calm and allow the authorities and rescue professionals to lead the response, while calling for continued cooperation and transparency among the companies, Gabonese authorities, emergency responders and other stakeholders.
“We ask everyone to remain calm, to allow the authorities and rescue professionals to do their work, and to offer the company and its people the maximum support,” he said.
He also commended BW Energy and Borr Drilling for their transparency and support for the ongoing rescue effort.
“Unfortunately, accidents can happen even in an industry built around rigorous preparation, discipline, and technical expertise,” Ayuk said. “What matters now is a determined, coordinated, and compassionate response.”
He called on the energy industry to provide practical assistance, technical expertise and resources to support the search and affected families.
“Gabon is not standing alone. BW Energy is not standing alone. Borr Drilling and its employees are not standing alone. The African energy community stands with them,” Ayuk said.
The AEW community extended its solidarity to the missing workers and their families and expressed support for the rescue teams working to locate those still unaccounted for.
