An inter‑island ferry, the MV Matui, sank on Friday while traveling between Ambae and Santo in Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation roughly 1,750 km east of Australia. The incident left at least one person dead and more than 30 people missing.
Emergency crews launched a large search and rescue operation in the island nation’s open waters. Fifteen survivors were located and accounted for, according to officials. The search has since shifted from the open ocean to the southeast coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
A statement released by Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office on Facebook blamed the loss on strong winds and marine warnings that were not heeded. It also suggested that negligence, including possible overloading of the vessel, may have contributed to the tragedy.
The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, the police, and the ferry’s operator, Tui Shipping Agency, have not yet responded to requests for comment. The prime minister’s office offered prayers for survivors and comfort for the families of those missing or lost, affirming that the nation stands with them during this time of grief.
