Rescue teams in Vanuatu are continuing a desperate search for more than 30 people still missing after a passenger ferry sank in the Pacific nation’s waters. The vessel, identified as the MV Matui, went down during severe weather conditions on Friday while traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo.
The office of Prime Minister
Ongoing Search and Potential Causes
Authorities have shifted the focus of their recovery efforts as the situation develops. While initial operations were concentrated in open waters, search teams are now patrolling the south-east coastline, where officials believe strong currents may have carried potential survivors.
In its official communication, the Prime Minister’s office highlighted several factors that may have contributed to the maritime disaster. The statement indicated that the vessel likely encountered dangerous conditions, noting that marine warnings were reportedly ignored. Furthermore, officials pointed to potential negligence regarding the operation of the ferry, specifically citing concerns that the vessel may have been overloaded at the time it sank.
The search operation involves coordination across various local agencies, though specific details regarding the current status of the vessel or the exact timeline of the recovery efforts remain limited. Requests for comment directed to the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, local police, and the ferry operator, Tui Shipping Agency, have not yet received a response.
