SINGAPORE- 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.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in the search for their tireless efforts.”
An extensive and ongoing search and rescue operation to find Mr Aguaviva has been conducted over the past seven days, with Rio Tinto working in collaboration with RTM Zheng He ship and crew manager, Anglo Eastern, and relevant authorities.
The Philippine Coast Guard is leading the search and rescue operation.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Our thoughts are with Gel’s family, friends and colleagues, and we stand with everyone affected by this distressing situation. 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.”
RTM Zheng He was in international waters near the Philippines when Mr Aguaviva was reported missing.
Rio Tinto is co-operating fully with relevant authorities and the ship’s manager on investigations into the incident, as well as conducting its own investigations.
Contacts
Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com
Media Relations,
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David Outhwaite
M +44 7787 597 493Media Relations,
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Matt Chambers
M +61 433 525 739
Michelle Lee
M +61 458 609 322
Rachel Pupazzoni
M +61 438 875 469Media Relations,
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Simon Letendre
M +1 514 796 4973
Malika Cherry
M +1 418 592 7293
Vanessa Damha
M +1 514 715 2152Media Relations,
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Jesse Riseborough
M +1 202 394 9480Investor Relations,
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David Ovington
M +44 7920 010 978
Laura Brooks
M +44 7826 942 797
Wei Wei Hu
M +44 7825 907 230Investor Relations,
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Tom Gallop
M +61 439 353 948
Amar Jambaa
M +61 472 865 948Rio Tinto plc
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