Rescuers continue searching for survivors as the government scales back operations in open waters.
Published On 13 Sep 2026
The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that at least one person has died and more than 30 individuals remain missing following the sinking of a ferry off Vanuatu’s coast.
The MV Matui, an inter‑island ferry, went down in severe weather on Friday while traveling between Ambae and Santo islands in northern Vanuatu, according to New Zealand’s public broadcaster RNZ.
Authorities reported that 15 of the numerous crew members and passengers aboard have been confirmed alive, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing, as noted in a statement from Napat’s office posted on Facebook.
The government said search operations in open waters are being reduced, while the focus shifts to the south‑east coastline, where strong currents may have carried survivors.
It attributed the incident to strong winds, ignored marine warnings, and possible negligence such as overloading the vessel, and pledged a comprehensive investigation to determine the facts and avert future occurrences.
Vanuatu police, the nation’s Maritime Safety Authority, and the ferry operator Tui Shipping Agency have not yet responded to inquiries, according to Reuters.
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