At least 30 missing after inter‑island ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast
Australian and Indian news agencies reported that the MV Matui ferry sank in rough weather near Vanuatu, leaving over 30 passengers unaccounted for and one confirmed dead. Rescue efforts continue, with seven survivors rescued.
First reported 2 days ago · latest update 2 days ago
Vanuatu authorities have been searching for survivors after an inter-island ferry carrying 34 passengers and 11 crew members sank in critical weather conditions on Friday.
More than 30 people are still unaccounted-for as boats and a flying doctor plane search for survivors 36 hours after the vessel sank in the north of the country.
One person has been found dead and another 15 have been rescued.
Police told national broadcaster VBCTC that MV Matui sank in rough seas on Friday while sailing between the islands of Ambae and Santo.
Police said one survivor made it to shore on the island of Santo, where a diver took him to the local community for help.
A video showing the man, named Jefferson, covered in a blanket and being offered a cup of hot tea has been shared widely on social media.
There were also calls for communities on the coast of the Ambae Islands to keep an eye out and help possible survivors as the search continues.
Former foreign minister Matai Seremaiah, who was aboard the vessel LC Mahalia, rescued a number of survivors.
He said the search in open waters was winding down, with rescuers refocusing their efforts closer to the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
Meanwhile, flying doctor Mark Turnbull used his plane to drop life jackets and helped locate survivors for rescue vessels.
Terry Ngwele, harbour master of Luganville on the island of Santo — who was on another rescue vessel — said the search would continue into Sunday.
"We rescued two people today," he told ABC News.
In a statement on Sunday, Vanuatu's Ministry of the Prime Minister acknowledged the incident with "deep sadness," saying it appeared to have been caused by strong winds and marine warnings "not being heeded".
"And possibly of negligence, including overloading of the vessel," the statement said.
The government said it would ensure a full investigation was carried out to establish the facts and prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
"To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief," the statement said.
ABC has sought comment from, police and Vanuatu's Maritime Safety Authority.
Citations · 2 reports from 2 outlets
Tap a citation to read it above, right here on T.A.M.
At least 30 missing after inter-island ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast
Seven passengers have been rescued and 38 remain unaccounted-for after an inter-island ferry sank in critical weather conditions near Vanuatu.
2 days ago1 Dead, Over 30 Missing After Ferry Sinks Off Vanuatu Coast
Search and rescue operations were continuing in the Pacific Island nation located about 1,750 km (1,090 miles) east of Australia after the MV Matui went down with dozens of crew and passengers on board, the statement posted on Facebook said.
2 days ago