One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks, Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office says
Napat's office said the search "in open waters is being eased off whilst efforts move toward a search along the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors."
A ferry disaster off the coast of Vanuatu resulted in at least one fatality and over 30 people reported missing, according to the statement from the country's Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office. The MV Matui, carrying passengers and crew, capsized in rough weather on Friday between the islands of Ambae and Santo. Fifteen individuals have been identified as alive, with search and rescue operations ongoing in the Pacific island nation located about 1,750 kilometers east of Australia.
The search efforts, initially conducted in open waters, are now shifting towards the south-east coast, where currents may have transported survivors. Vanuatu Prime Minister Napat's office attributes the sinking to strong winds, disregard for marine warnings, and potentially negligent actions, such as overloading the vessel. They extend their prayers for the survivors' strength and recovery, as well as support to the families of the missing and deceased.
The Vanuatu police, the Maritime Safety Authority, and the ferry's operator, Tui Shipping Agency, have not yet commented on the incident.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Prime Minister, Jordan's Foreign Minister hold phone conversation thepeninsulaqatar.com
- The Thai Prime Minister and the ILO Chief talk about the future of Thailand’s workforce thailand-business-news.com
- Carney to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for first time globalnews.ca
- New statues added to controversial Prime Minister's Path in Wilmot, Ont. cbc.ca
- Carney to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham during three-day European trip toronto.citynews.ca
- Carney to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for first time winnipegfreepress.com
