Wellington, Sep 15:
A search in waters off the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu continued Monday for more than 30 people who officials said were missing after a passenger ferry sank. The MV Matui was travelling between the islands of Ambae and Santo with 47 people on board when it sank on Friday, local news outlets reported.
Search teams in boats rescued 15 survivors from the water over the weekend, according to a statement issued Sunday by the prime minister’s office. One body was also recovered, while more than 30 people remained missing.
Authorities said the search operation would now focus on the coastline, where strong currents may have carried survivors, rather than concentrating solely on open waters. Rescue teams continued efforts to locate anyone who may have reached nearby shores.
The prime minister’s office said the disaster appeared to have been caused by a combination of strong winds and warnings that were not heeded. It also raised the possibility of negligence, including overloading of the vessel.
Vanuatu’s meteorological service had issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry began its journey. The incident has raised questions about safety procedures and compliance with weather warnings for passenger vessels operating between the islands.