Rio Tinto ship says deck fitter went missing between China and Australia

(Reuters) -- Miner Rio Tinto said on Thursday a deck fitter on board its bulk carrier traveling from China to Western Australia was reported missing last week and the Philippine Coast Guard was leading a search and rescue operation.

Rio Tinto said the extensive operation to find the missing individual was conducted over the last week and was ongoing, with the company working closely with the RTM Zheng He's ship and crew manager Anglo-Eastern and relevant authorities.