More than 30 missing from ferry that sank in Vanuatu

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A search in waters off the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu continued Monday (September 14, 2026) for more than 30 people who officials said were missing after a passenger ferry sank.

The ferry MV Matui was travelling between the islands of Ambae and Santo with 47 people on board when it sank on Friday (September 11), local news outlets reported. Searchers in boats pulled 15 survivors from the water over the weekend, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said.

One body was also recovered, according to the statement, while more than 30 people were still missing. The search would now focus on a coastline where currents might have carried survivors, rather than on open waters.

“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. The country's meteorological service issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry sailed.

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