A ferry has sunk off the coast of Vanuatu in bad weather, leaving at least one person dead and more than 30 people missing, according to official statements.
The inter-island ferry MV Matui, operated by Tui’s Shipping, went down on Friday while travelling between the islands of Ambae and Santo in the north of the Pacific nation. The vessel was carrying more than 40 passengers and crew when it sank in rough seas.
On Sunday, the office of Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat confirmed:
At least one person has been confirmed dead, with one body recovered.
Fifteen people have been accounted for alive.
More than 30 people remain missing at sea.
Search and rescue operations are continuing. Authorities have begun easing open-water searches and are shifting focus toward the south-east coast, where ocean currents may have carried survivors. Coastal communities have been asked to watch for and assist any possible survivors.
Assistance is being provided by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed to support the effort.
Preliminary Assessment
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office said the tragedy “appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel.” A full investigation has been launched to establish the exact circumstances and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The government expressed condolences to the families affected:“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones… To the survivors, we pray for your strength and recovery. To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief.”
Earlier reports indicated that some survivors reached shore or were rescued by other vessels and a flying doctor aircraft that dropped life jackets and helped locate people in the water. Rough conditions, including significant swells, complicated the initial search efforts.
Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation located about 1,750 km east of Australia, relies heavily on inter-island ferry services. The sinking of the MV Matui has prompted widespread concern and an ongoing multi-agency response.
Further updates are expected as search operations continue and more information becomes available.
