The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a search and rescue operation for a Filipino crew member who went missing on December 26 aboard the Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier RTM ZHENG HE, en route to Australia from China.
According to the PCG, the missing crew member, Aguaviva Gel Jutba, was last seen on the port side main deck of the vessel, approximately 111 nautical miles northwest of Zamboanga City. He was reportedly wearing a dark blue reflectorized suit at the time of his disappearance.
On December 28, the PCG deployed a Beechcraft Baron 58 Twin Engine aircraft from Zamboanga International Airport to conduct a four-hour aerial search in the waters northwest of Bongo Island, Basilan. The aircraft, piloted by Joshua Joash Signe and Daniel Lloyd Booc, alongside two Coast Guard officers, found no signs of the missing individual but observed multiple vessels and small debris in the area.
The search area was later expanded to waters near Jolo, Sulu Island, where fishing boats were spotted but yielded no further clues. The aerial mission concluded with the aircraft returning to Zamboanga International Airport.
Efforts to locate the crew member are ongoing, with the PCG deploying additional assets, including the BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), and coordinating with maritime vessels in the region. The PCG urged all vessels in the area to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to authorities.
