Vanuatu Ferry Sinks Leaving One Dead and Over 30 Missing

At least one person has died and more than 30 people remain missing after the inter-island ferry MV Matui sank in poor weather on Friday. The vessel, operated by Tui Shipping Agency, was traveling between the islands of Santo and Ambae when it went down in heavy seas. According to the office of Prime Minister Jotham Napat, 15 people have been located alive. Search and rescue operations are continuing, with efforts shifting toward the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors. A French Armed Forces aircraft from New Caledonia and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Noumea are assisting in the search.

Prime Minister Napat announced that an investigation has been launched into the incident. His office stated that the loss appears to be the result of strong winds and the failure to heed marine warnings, as well as possible negligence including the overloading of the vessel. Reports on how the rescue began vary. Parliamentary representative Matai Seremaiah told RNZ that a crew member swam ashore to raise the alarm. Additionally, AFP cited a hotel owner on Santo who claimed an employee pulled a survivor to shore on Saturday afternoon.

Some reports highlight local frustration regarding the official response. A hotel owner told AFP that private citizens mobilized their own cargo ships and a plane on Saturday because they felt authorities lacked urgency. Prime Minister Napat also expressed frustration over his inability to reach senior officials before taking charge of the rescue effort on Sunday afternoon.