World
One dead, 30+ missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks in rough seas
September 13, 2026 at 04:55 AM
A ferry carrying more than 40 people sank off Vanuatu's northern coast on Friday, leaving at least one dead and over 30 missing as search operations continue.
- The MV Matui sank Friday in bad weather en route between Santo and Ambae, with at least one dead, over 30 missing, and 15 accounted for alive.
- PM Jotham Napat's office said the sinking appeared to result from strong winds, heedless marine warnings, and possible negligence including overloading, and opened an investigation.
- Vanuatu's government scaled back open-water search efforts to focus on the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
- A French Armed Forces aircraft deployed Sunday morning as the New Caledonia Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre assisted in the search.