‘Difficult time’: Man reported missing from Rio Tinto ship en route to WA identified

A large-scale search is under way for a man who has been missing for a week from a Rio Tinto vessel travelling to Australia.

An extensive search for a man who went missing a week ago while on-board a Rio Tinto ship as it was travelling from China to Western Australia continues in international waters.

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.

Gel Aguaviva was on board a Rio Tinto Marine vessel while it was travelling from China to Western Australia. Picture: Supplied

Gel Aguaviva was reported missing from Rio Tinto bulk carrier RMT Zheng He. Picture: marinetraffic.com

It’s understood the vessel was in international waters near The Philippines when the 44-year-old Filipino national was reported missing.

An extensive search has been conducted in the past week, with Rio Tinto working in conjunction with the RTM Zheng He ship and crew manager Anglo Eastern along with other relevant authorities.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also launched a search and rescue operation and Rio Tinto is conducting its own investigation.

Gel Aguaviva was last seen on the deck of the ship. Picture: Supplied

He has been missing since Boxing Day. Picture: marinetraffic.com

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said the company was focused on offering all possible support through “this difficult time”.

“Our thoughts are with Gel’s family, friends and colleagues, and we stand with everyone affected by this distressing situation,” Mr Stausholm said.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the search for their tireless efforts.”

The ABC reports the ship’s crew had realised he was missing at 11.25am on December 26.

It’s understood Mr Aguaviva was last seen at the port side main deck of the Singaporean flag ship, which was in the Sulu Sea off the Philippines at the time.

He was wearing a dark blue reflector suit.

The ship is due to arrive into Dampier Port, near Karratha, on Saturday morning.

Originally published as ‘Difficult time’: Man reported missing from Rio Tinto ship en route to WA identified