One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks, PM’s office says

A ferry, the MV Matui, sank off the coast of Vanuatu on Friday while traveling between Ambae and Santo islands. The incident resulted in at least one confirmed death, with over 30 people still missing. Fifteen individuals have been accounted for alive. The Vanuatu government is scaling back open water search operations and focusing efforts along the south-east coast. The sinking is believed to be due to strong winds, disregarded marine warnings, and potential negligence such as overloading. A full investigation is planned to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

A ferry, the MV Matui, sank off the coast of Vanuatu on Friday while traveling from Santo to Ambae island with over 40 passengers and crew. One person has died, and more than 30 remain missing following the incident, which occurred in very rough seas. Fifteen individuals have been accounted for alive, and one body has been recovered. The Vanuatu prime minister's office stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with assistance from New Caledonia's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and a French Armed Forces aircraft. An investigation into potential negligence, including overloading and disregarding marine warnings, has been launched.