It is with great sadness that Rio Tinto confirms that Mr Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter on board its bulk carrier RTM Zheng He, was reported missing on 26 December 2024, while the vessel was traveling from China to Western Australia.

A deck fitter on board of a bulk carrier travelling from China to Western Australia was reported missing last week

A spokesperson for Rio Tinto confirmed Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter on-board the bulk carrier RMT Zheng He, was reported missing on December 26. It’s understood the vessel was in international waters near The Philippines when the 44-year-old Filipino national was reported missing.

The mining giant confirmed Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter who worked on board the RTM Zheng He, went missing on December 26 while the ship was travelling from China to the WA coast.

Rio Tinto has confirmed the disappearance of a crew member on board a bulk carrier headed for Western Australia as a search and rescue mission continues.