Abandoned vessel declared a wreck on Gabon’s Ogooué River
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on AGP Gabon
Gabonese authorities have declared a vessel abandoned in the Saint-François-Xavier area of the Ogooué River, in Lambaréné, a wreck. The decision was taken after a period of nearly two weeks expired without salvage, relocation, security measures or a claim, according to the Gabonese Press Agency.
Gabon has transferred ownership of a vessel abandoned on the Ogooué River, in the Saint-François-Xavier area of Lambaréné, to the state after the deadline for its owner to remove it expired. Valérie Gnomba, director of Maritime and River Affairs for Moyen-Ogooué, announced the forfeiture of ownership in a statement published on Saturday, the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP) reports.
The vessel is now considered an abandoned wreck and has lost its status as a vessel, according to the statement. The maritime administration may remove it, dismantle it or sell it, notably to ensure safe navigation on the Ogooué and prevent environmental risks.
The owner or their heirs remain responsible for the costs of salvage and treatment of the wreck if they come forward later. The measure follows an official finding that the vessel had been abandoned and a formal notice broadcast on the radio and displayed in Lambaréné; no salvage, relocation or securing work was carried out within the allotted period.
The decision comes as the search continues after the sinking of the Prospector 5 off Gabon, when three bodies were spotted on 29 October 2026.
