One dead, dozens missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks

At least one person is dead and more than 30 are missing after a ferry sank off Vanuatu.

Search and rescue operations were continuing in the Pacific Island nation located about 1750km east of Australia after the MV Matui went down with dozens of crew and passengers on board, Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Search efforts had been underway since the inter-island ferry sank in bad weather on Friday between the islands of Ambae and Santo, according to New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ.

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".

"This loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel," the statement said.

"To the survivors, we pray for your strength and recovery. To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief," it added.

Vanuatu police, the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority and the ferry's operator, Tui Shipping Agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.