One dead and 30 missing after ferry sinks in rough conditions off Vanuatu
One person died and 30 are missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu, the South Pacific nation’s Government said today.
The vessel, MV Matui, had set sail on Friday with more than 40 passengers and crew from Santo Island to Ambae Island in very rough seas, but did not arrive.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office said: “Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
Fifteen of those on board have been “accounted for alive” and one dead body has been recovered, the statement said, adding that “over 30 people remain missing at sea”.
An investigation into potential negligence has been launched.
The statement said: “This loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel”.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, said it is assisting with the search and a French armed forces aircraft was deployed this morning.
The Member of Parliament for Luganville, Matai Seremaiah, who is assisting in the search, said efforts would concentrate on the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors.
- AFP
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