Vanuatu ferry sinks, leaving 1 dead and 30+ missing

At least one person has died and more than 30 remain missing after an inter-island ferry sank in rough waters off the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.

The MV Matui, which was travelling from Santo to Ambae, went down amid difficult weather conditions, according to Vanuatu authorities. The vessel was carrying dozens of passengers and crew members when it sank.

The office of Prime Minister Jotham Napat said on Sunday that 15 people had been accounted for alive, while at least one body had been recovered. More than 30 people were still unaccounted for as rescuers continued efforts to locate survivors.

The incident has raised concerns over whether warnings about dangerous marine conditions were properly followed.

According to the prime minister’s office, the disaster appears to have been linked to strong winds and marine warnings that were not heeded. Authorities also said possible negligence, including the potential overloading of the vessel, could have contributed to the sinking.

The ferry reportedly had 47 people aboard, including passengers and crew, when it was travelling between the islands.

Search shifts toward Vanuatu coast

Rescue teams initially focused their efforts on open waters, but authorities said the operation was being scaled back in the sea and shifted toward Vanuatu’s southeastern coastline.

Officials believe ocean currents may have carried survivors toward the coast, prompting rescuers to concentrate their search in those areas.

The disaster has also drawn assistance from regional maritime authorities. Search teams are working to determine the whereabouts of those still missing as families wait for information about their loved ones.

The Vanuatu government expressed condolences to the families of those who died or remain missing and urged survivors to remain strong during the difficult rescue operation.

Authorities have promised a full investigation into the sinking. The inquiry is expected to examine the vessel’s condition, passenger capacity, weather warnings, safety procedures and the circumstances surrounding its departure.

The government also called on ship operators to put passenger safety first, ensure vessels are seaworthy and properly equipped, and maintain reliable communication systems.

The tragedy has renewed attention on maritime safety in Vanuatu, where inter-island ferry services are an important lifeline connecting communities across the Pacific island nation.

Officials have warned that ignoring severe marine conditions can quickly turn routine journeys into deadly emergencies.