One dead and more than 30 missing after ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast in rough seas

In a tragic incident off the coast of Vanuatu, a ferry called MV Matui capsized, resulting in one death and over 30 people reported missing, according to the country's government. The vessel departed from the island of Santo with more than 40 passengers and crew members on Friday, but failed to reach its destination of Ambae island due to the rough seas.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office expressed condolences to the families who had lost loved ones, and assured that search and rescue operations were ongoing. Fifteen individuals were confirmed to be alive, while one body was recovered, leaving over 30 people still missing at sea. The government highlighted potential negligence, attributing the disaster to strong winds, failure to heed marine warnings, and possible overloading of the vessel.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia is assisting with the search, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday morning. Twelve people were located on Sunday morning. Matai Seremaiah, a member of parliament for Luganville, is aiding in the search efforts, focusing on the south-east coast where survivors may have been carried by currents.