Vanuatu ferry disaster exposes gap between warnings and action
MV Matui , Vanuatu's inter-island ferry sank in rough seas off the coast of Vanuatu over the weekend, leaving one person confirmed dead and more than 30 people missing.
More than thirty individuals are reported missing following the sinking of a passenger ferry in Vanuatu's waters, according to officials. The vessel, named MV Matui, was en route between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it encountered an unfortunate fate on Friday. As the search operation persists Monday, rescuers managed to pluck 15 survivors from the turbulent waters over the weekend, as reported by local media.
Among the deceased, at least one body has been recovered, leaving a total of over thirty people still unaccounted for. The investigation is now concentrating on the shoreline where shifting currents may have inadvertently carried survivors away from the initial search area in open waters. According to the prime minister’s office, the disaster appears to stem from disregarded strong winds and marine advisories, as well as potential negligence such as overcrowding on the vessel.
The country's meteorological service had previously issued a marine warning warning of strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry set sail.
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- More than 30 missing from ferry that sank in Vanuatu winnipegfreepress.com
