Rescue teams are searching for the missing crew of a sunken ship in the Philippines.

The MV Jerlyn Khatness was delivering 24,000 bags of cement when it was struck by strong waves off San Jose town in Northern Samar province on December 30. The crew jumped overboard and were left paddling in rough waters at 2:30 pm.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northern Samar station said they received a report at 10 pm.

Rescue teams and local fishermen launched a search and rescue operation and rescued 13 people. However, crew member Donde Macasaol, 30, was found floating lifeless off Biri island.

Authorities were still searching for the last missing sailor, Andres Abualon, 63.

The Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV) said: 'CGDEV immediately issued a Notice to Mariners to warn vessels transiting the area and coordinated with local government units (LGUs) and vessels in vicinity waters off the coastal area to assist in the search and rescue operation.

'The PCG deployed the Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) 4408 to conduct search and rescue operations and monitor for potential oil spills. As of the latest report, no traces of oil spill have been observed.

'CGDEV will conduct a maritime casualty investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences. Search and rescue operations will continue until the missing crew member is found.'

Philippine weather agency PAGASA on December 30 warned of rough coastal waters off Northern Samar province due to the northeast monsoon and the shear line - the point where cold air from the northeast converges with warm air from the Pacific Ocean.