MV Matui ferry sinks off Vanuatu — one dead, over 30 missing
Rescue teams shifted focus toward the southeast coast after a crew member swam ashore to report the capsizing.
At least one person has died, 15 people have been rescued and more than 30 are listed as missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu, authorities said. Bad weather, strong winds and possible overloading of the vessel are being cited as the most likely causes.
The ferry MV Matui was carrying dozens of passengers and crew and was sailing in poor conditions between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it capsized, officials reported.
Search shifts toward southeast shore
The prime minister's office, posting on Facebook, said the search at open sea has been reduced and efforts are now concentrated along the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors. "It appears that strong winds and disregard for sailing warnings contributed to this tragedy, and negligence is possible, including overloading of the vessel," the office said, and announced a detailed investigation.
"We pray for strength and for the recovery of the survivors. To the families of the missing and the deceased we say that the whole country stands with them in these moments of grief," the statement added.
Matai Seremaya, a member of parliament for Luganville, said the rescue operation began after a crew member managed to swim to shore and raise the alarm. "He informed us that the vessel had capsized, after which we immediately set out to search," Seremaya said.
Police in Vanuatu, the Maritime Safety Authority and the ferry operator Tui Shipping Agency had not commented at the time of the report. Authorities said the investigation will examine weather warnings, the vessel's load and possible violations of safety rules.
Photo: press material from the event
