The bodies of three people have been found in the water after a drilling rig owned by a firm with a base in Aberdeenshire sank off the coast of Gabon.
The Prospector 5 drilling rig, owned and operated by Borr Drilling Limited, with a base in Westhill, confirmed the sinking took place at around 8.37pm on Saturday.
The incident occurred while the rig was conducting jacking operations offshore Gabon in Central Africa, in preparation for a planned drilling campaign.
115 personnel were on board, and five people were reported as missing following the incident. The 110 people accounted for have returned ashore in Gabon.
STV News understands that, as of earlier this week, four British nationals were being supported by the Foreign Office and that no British nationals had died.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that an underwater remotely operated vehicle had located the bodies of three individuals.
Recovery efforts are under way, and extensive search and rescue efforts continue for the two missing people, the firm said.
Bruno Morand, CEO of Borr Drilling, said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic development, and our thoughts are with our colleagues, their families, and loved ones.
“We recognise the extraordinary uncertainty and pain they are facing. Our immediate priority remains supporting the families and the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts.”
At the time of the incident, there were approximately 280 cubic meters of marine diesel fuel onboard the Prospector 5.
Borr Drilling says resources have been mobilised and measures are being taken to mitigate and minimise any environmental impact related to this incident.
The firm said early information indicates that the rig experienced a “punch-through event during preload activities”, resulting in loss of stability and the subsequent sinking.
BW Energy added: “Our overriding priority is the safety of all personnel. The company is supporting the ongoing search and rescue operations in close coordination with the drilling contractor Borr Drilling, relevant authorities and emergency responders.
“Production at the MaBoMo facility is 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 facility.”
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are providing support to a number of British Nationals in Gabon and remain in contact with the local authorities.”
Family members seeking information or assistance can contact the team in Aberdeenshire at +44 (0)1224 087026.
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