Vanuatu ends search for 37 people missing in ferry sinking

A passenger ferry, MV Matui, sank off the coast of Vanuatu on September 11, resulting in the deaths of 39 people and leaving 37 missing, according to an official's statement to The Associated Press. The search for the missing individuals has concluded, with no additional survivors found since last weekend. The MV Matui was carrying 53 people, including passengers and crew, when it capsized in rough seas.

The sinking was initially overlooked for a full day, and the number of people on board remained uncertain for several days. Some individuals previously listed as missing were later determined to not have been aboard the ferry. Vanuatu's Maritime Safety Authority, led by Deputy Commissioner Lloyd M. Fikiasi, revealed that the search was discontinued on Thursday, with 37 people still unaccounted for.

The incident led to criminal complaints being filed against Tui Shipping, the company operating the ferry, its management, and the ferry's master for violating maritime laws. The vessel was allegedly not permitted to transport passengers, and the company had been warned about overloading just the day prior to the sinking. Prime Minister Jotham Napat attributed the disaster to strong winds, marine warnings not being heeded, and potential negligence, including the vessel being overloaded.

The Prime Minister visited survivors and bereaved families on Santo and Ambae islands, requesting calm and promising an independent investigation into the tragedy. He had to cancel a planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to attend to the disaster. A national memorial service for the victims is scheduled to take place on September 27.