Hope is slowly fading for a Rio Tinto deckfitter who went missing on a Western Australia-bound bulk carrier from China.
Rio Tinto confirmed on Thursday that Filipino national Gel Aguaviva, 44, went missing from the RTM Zheng He in international waters en route to the Pilbara at around 9am on December 26.
An “extensive” and ongoing search and rescue operation has since been carried out.
The ship’s crew is working with international authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard, who are leading the operation.
“Our thoughts are with Gel’s family, friends and colleagues, and we support everyone affected by this distressing situation,” said Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm.
‘We are focused on offering all possible support during this difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in the search for their tireless efforts.”
Authorities now believe Aguaviva fell overboard from the port side of the Singapore-flagged ship.
Rio Tinto roofing installer Gel Aguaviva, 44, disappeared from a bulk carrier on Boxing Day 2024
An extensive search and rescue mission is underway in the Sulu Sea to try to find Mr. Aguaviva.
The ship was in international waters in the Sulu Sea, west of the Philippines, when Aguaviva first disappeared.
The Philippine coast guard said Gel Aguaviva was last seen on the ship’s port side main deck, wearing a blue reflective suit.
He was reportedly headed to the boatswain’s store, which typically contained materials used by the ship’s sailors at the time.
The crewmates did not realize that Aguaviva was missing until shortly after 11 a.m., the alphabet reported.
The ship is scheduled to arrive at Dampier Harbor in WA on Saturday.
It is currently crossing the Timor Sea according to marinetraffic.com.
The aircraft carrier is almost 300 meters long and 50 meters wide.
The RTM bulk carrier Zheng He is currently heading towards the Pilbara after leaving China