An inter-island ferry, the MV Matui, sank in rough seas off the coast of Vanuatu, leaving one person dead and dozens missing as search operations continue.
Key facts
- •The MV Matui was carrying more than 40 passengers and crew when it sank on Friday.
- •Fifteen survivors have been located, and one body has been recovered.
- •The search is now concentrated on the southeast coast of Vanuatu due to current patterns.
- •The government has cited potential overloading and ignored marine warnings as contributing factors to the disaster.
- •A French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday to assist with the search efforts.
At least one person has died and more than 30 remain missing after the inter-island ferry MV Matui sank off the coast of Vanuatu on Friday. The vessel was traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it encountered severe weather. Government officials confirmed that 15 survivors have been accounted for, while search and rescue operations are ongoing in the region.
By the numbers
Search and Rescue Operations
The Vanuatu government announced that search efforts in open waters are being scaled back as teams shift focus toward the southeast coast. Authorities believe ocean currents may have carried survivors toward this area. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, is assisting with the operation, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday morning to aid in the search.
Investigation into Potential Negligence
Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office stated that the sinking appears to be the result of strong winds and a failure to heed marine warnings. The government is also investigating potential negligence, specifically citing the possibility that the vessel was overloaded. A formal investigation has been launched to establish the facts surrounding the incident. As of Sunday, the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, local police, and the vessel's operator, Tui Shipping Agency, had not responded to requests for comment.
Timeline
- Friday, September 11, 2026The MV Matui sets sail from Santo to Ambae and sinks during severe weather.
- Sunday morning, September 13, 2026A French Armed Forces aircraft is deployed to assist in the search for survivors.
- Sunday, September 13, 2026The Prime Minister's office issues a statement confirming the death toll and the shift in search strategy.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Independent World, The Hindu, Al Jazeera.
