The body of a crew member of a cargo vessel that sunk in the waters of Northern Samar was retrieved, while authorities have continued search and rescue operation to locate another missing person. 

The casualty was identified as Donde Macasaol, while the missing person was identified as Andres Abualon, 63 years old, of Tubigon town in the Province of Bohol. 

MV Jerlyn Khatness, the cargo vessel, sunk in the waters of Barangay Balicuatro, Lavezares town, Northern Samar on December 30, 2024.

Of the 15-member crew, five were earlier reported missing. Ten were rescued. 

In a search and rescue operation by the Office of Civil Defense Eastern Visayas on December 31, 2024, three were rescued with the help of fishermen. 

The cargo vessel loaded with 24,000 sacks of cement was bound for San Jose, Northern Samar from the City of Naga in Cebu Province. 

According to the authorities, the cargo vessel was rocked by huge waves that led to the sinking. 

As of this posting, search and rescue operations for the other missing person have continued.