On October 27, 2026, Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema visited the survivors of the oil platform accident at the Port-Gentil naval base. The accident occurred on October 24, 2026, when the Borr Prospector 5 platform, operated by BW Energy, sank off the coast of Mayumba. The president met with the 110 survivors and expressed his condolences, praising their bravery and swift response during the emergency.
The accident occurred at 8:37 pm on October 24, 2026, when one of the platform's legs collapsed, causing it to capsize and sink. There were 115 people on board, and 110 were evacuated safely thanks to the emergency procedures. One body has been recovered, and four people are still missing. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Gabonese Navy leading the operation.
President Oligui Nguema addressed the survivors, saying, "I am here today not just as president but as a Gabonese and your brother. The entire nation trembled with you on Saturday evening. I say bravo to you, the 110 survivors, for keeping your composure and applying the procedures that saved lives." He also assured the families of the victims that the state would provide support and ensure their loved ones are treated with dignity.
The president outlined three key demands: continuing the search and rescue efforts, conducting a thorough investigation into the accident, and ensuring the safety of the area before resuming production. He emphasized that the production at MaBoMo would remain halted until safety is guaranteed, and the environment is protected. The president also assured that the investigation's findings would be made public.
The government has activated an inter-ministerial crisis cell in Libreville to coordinate the response efforts. The president was accompanied by several ministers, including those responsible for the environment, social affairs, labor, interior, and foreign affairs. The Congolese Navy is also participating in the search and rescue efforts, following a request for assistance from President Oligui Nguema to his counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso.
The accident has raised concerns about safety and environmental protection in the region. The president emphasized that the nation's oil wealth would not be prioritized over human life. The incident has also sparked an outpouring of support and solidarity from the Gabonese people, with many calling for calm and respect for the victims' families.
The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with three helicopters and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) being used to scour the area and explore the seafloor. The government has promised to provide updates on the investigation and the response efforts. The incident has highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and environmental protection in the oil and gas industry.
Key points
- President Oligui Nguema has vowed to investigate the accident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
- The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Gabonese Navy leading the operation.
- The president has emphasized that safety and environmental protection will be prioritized over oil production.
