One person has died and more than 30 people are missing at sea after an inter-island ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu in rough seas, according to the nation’s government. The MV Matui went down on Friday while traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo with more than 40 passengers and crew on board, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation coordinated by local authorities and international partners.
Rescue Operations Shift to South-East Coast of Santo
Search and rescue personnel have shifted their focus from open water to the south-east coast of Santo, where ocean currents may have carried survivors, according to Matai Seremaiah, the member of parliament for Luganville. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia assisted with the search efforts, deploying a French Armed Forces aircraft on Sunday morning. According to Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister, 15 people have been accounted for alive and one body has been recovered. Police reported that one crew member swam ashore to Santo to raise the alarm, while the vessel LC Mahalia and flying doctor Mark Turnbull helped locate and rescue additional survivors at sea, with Turnbull throwing life jackets to five people floating in the water.
Government Launches Negligence and Overloading Investigation
Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister stated that the sinking appears to stem from strong winds and ignored marine warnings, alongside potential negligence regarding the vessel’s cargo limits. According to the Prime Minister’s office statement, the disaster points to possible overloading of the ferry. The government has promised a full investigation into the tragedy and issued a warning to ship owners across the Pacific island nation to ensure all vessels are fully seaworthy and equipped with proper safety and communication systems. The operator of the vessel, Tui Shipping Agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the sinking.
Did you know? Vanuatu is an island nation located about 1,750 kilometers (1,090 miles) east of Australia, relying heavily on inter-island ferry networks for transportation between remote communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the MV Matui to sink?
According to Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister, the sinking appears to be the result of strong winds, unheeded marine warnings, and potential negligence including vessel overloading.
How many people were on board the ferry?
The MV Matui carried more than 40 passengers and crew when it departed the island of Santo for Ambae on Friday.
How many survivors have been found?
Government statements confirm that 15 people have been found alive, one body has been recovered, and more than 30 individuals remain missing at sea.
Who is assisting with the search and rescue efforts?
The search involves Vanuatu police, the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, local parliamentarians, local vessels like the LC Mahalia, and international support from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia alongside a French Armed Forces aircraft.
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