Hopes fade for missing Rio Tinto worker Gel Aguaviva after he fell overboard from ship travelling to Pilbara

Hope is fading for a worker missing from onboard a Rio Tinto iron ore bulk carrier that was en route to the Pilbara from China. A search and rescue operation is continuing in international waters for 44-year-old Filipino deck fitter Gel Aguaviva, who went missing on December 26. Authorities believe he fell overboard, from the port side of the bulk carrier RTM Zheng He. “Our thoughts are with Gel’s family, friends and colleagues and we stand with everyone affected by this distressing situation,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement on Thursday. “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.” The vessel was passing through the Sulu Sea at 9am on Boxing Day, when the incident was reported. The Phillippine Coast Guard is leading the search effort and reported Mr Aguaviva was last seen at the port side main deck of the Singaporean flag vessel, and was wearing a dark blue reflector suit. Two ships in the area immediately joined the search operation, before the Coast Guard deployed a Parola-class patrol vessel All vessels in the area were asked to join the search effort, but so far there has been no sign of the 44-year-old.