Mining Company Rio Tinto Reports Deck Fitter Missing on Bulk Carrier RTM Zheng He
Mining company Rio Tinto has announced that one of its deck fitters, Gel Aguaviva, has gone missing while aboard the bulk carrier RTM Zheng He, en route from China to Western Australia. Aguaviva was reported missing on December 26, 2024.
An extensive search and rescue operation has been underway for the past seven days, with Rio Tinto collaborating with RTM Zheng He’s ship and crew manager, Anglo Eastern, as well as relevant authorities. The Philippine Coast Guard is leading the search efforts.
Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Jakob Stausholm, expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with Gel’s family, friends, and colleagues during this distressing time. We are committed to providing all necessary support to those affected.”
RTM Zheng He was located in international waters near the Philippines when Aguaviva went missing. Rio Tinto is fully cooperating with authorities and the ship’s manager in the investigation, in addition to conducting its own inquiries.
The company expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the search operation for their relentless efforts in trying to locate Aguaviva.