One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks, PM’s office says
At least one person has died and more than 30 are missing after the inter-island ferry MV Matui sank in bad weather while traveling between Ambae and Santo in northern Vanuatu, the office of Prime Minister Jotham Napat said. Fifteen people have been rescued alive and authorities are shifting search efforts from open waters to the south-east coast where currents could have carried survivors.
Why It Matters
The incident has prompted a widened search-and-rescue response and a promised investigation after officials suggested strong winds, ignored marine warnings and possible overloading may have contributed. Outcomes will affect maritime safety procedures and oversight for inter-island transport in Vanuatu.
Key Facts
- Vessel: MV Matui (inter-island ferry)
- Route: Sailing between Ambae and Santo in northern Vanuatu
- When: Sank on Friday in bad weather
- Fatalities: At least 1 dead
- Missing: More than 30 missing
Vanuatu authorities say at least one person has died and over 30 people remain unaccounted for after the inter-island ferry MV Matui sank in poor weather while en route between Ambae and Santo. The prime minister’s office, led by Jotham Napat, issued the update in a statement posted to Facebook, and New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ reported the location of the sinking.
Rescue teams have so far confirmed 15 people rescued alive from the incident. Initial search-and-rescue activity covered open ocean, but the government announced it would scale back operations offshore and concentrate efforts along the south-east coast where currents might have carried survivors.
Officials said the sinking appears linked to strong winds and marine warnings that were not heeded, and they noted possible negligence including overloading of the vessel. The government said a full investigation will be conducted to determine the facts and to help prevent a recurrence.
Vanuatu police, the country’s Maritime Safety Authority and the ferry operator, Tui Shipping Agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Reuters reported. Search operations and the planned inquiry are ongoing as authorities work to locate missing passengers and crew.
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Original source: Al Jazeera