The global mining group Rio Tinto has confirmed that a deck fitter on board its bulk carrier RTM Zheng He, was reported missing on December 26, 2024, while the vessel was traveling from China to Western Australia.
An extensive and ongoing search and rescue operation to find the crew member has been conducted over the past seven days, with Rio Tinto mentioning in a statement that it is working in collaboration with the RTM Zheng He ship, the crew manager, and relevant authorities.
The company noted that the Philippine Coast Guard is leading the search and rescue operation.
In a statement on January 2, Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said the company is focused on offering all possible support during this “difficult time,” and it stands with everyone affected by this distressing situation.
The chief executive also expressed his appreciation to those involved in the search for their tireless, as he said, efforts.
The ship RTM Zheng He was in international waters near the Philippines when the crew member was reported missing.
The giant mining group Rio Tinto said that it is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities and the ship’s manager on investigations into the incident, as well as conducting its own investigations.
