Key Points
- Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter aboard the RTM Zheng He, went missing on December 26, 2024, while the vessel was navigating from China to Western Australia.
- Gel's wife, Necie May, is calling for a thorough investigation.
- The Philippine Coast Guard, in collaboration with Rio Tinto and the ship’s management, continues search and investigation efforts, while Rio Tinto pledges full cooperation.
Necie May Aguaviva is in deep mourning and demanding answers after her husband, Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter aboard a Rio Tinto bulk carrier, went missing while the vessel was navigating from China to Western Australia.
In an interview with SBS Filipino, Necie May said her last conversation with Gel was on the afternoon of Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, just hours before his disappearance. By the morning of December 26, the news reached her that Gel had vanished from the RTM Zheng He.
It pains me deeply that this happened to him. I won’t stop until I know the whole truth about what happened to him... I can’t fully comprehend why this happened or where he is.Necie May Aguaviva, wife of missing Filipino crew in Rio Tinto ship
Necie May expressed doubts about the circumstances surrounding her husband's disappearance. She recalled that while Gel had never mentioned having enemies, he once confided that a crew member might have been envious of him due to the captain’s frequent praise of his exceptional work. “We want the authorities to investigate all the crew members,” she said, adding that her husband had been looking forward to disembarking in May 2025 to attend their child’s grade 10 graduation and spend time with their youngest, who is only three years old.
The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that it is collaborating with Rio Tinto to search for the missing seafarer and investigate the incident. The ship, currently docked in Australia, is also undergoing an internal inquiry.
Gel Aguaviva Credit: Supplied
Rio Tinto Statement
Rio Tinto has expressed its sorrow over the incident, confirming that Gel Aguaviva was reported missing on December 26. In a statement, the company revealed that an extensive search and rescue operation, led by the Philippine Coast Guard, has been underway for the past week.
Jakob Stausholm, Rio Tinto's Chief Executive, 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.”
The company assured the public that it is cooperating fully with relevant authorities and conducting its own investigation alongside the ship’s manager, Anglo Eastern.
The RTM Zheng He was navigating international waters near the Philippines when Gel Aguaviva was reported missing. Despite extensive search operations, no trace of the missing crew member has been found as of January 2, 2025.
Assistance from Authorities
As of this writing, SBS Filipino is seeking a reaction from the Philippine government authorities regarding any assistance that may be extended to the Aguaviva family.
Meanwhile, Necie May and her family are pleading for justice and clarity. “We just want to know what happened and ensure Gel didn’t suffer because of someone else’s actions,” she said.
