At least one body has been recovered and more than 30 people remain missing after an inter-island ferry sank off the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office said in a statement on Facebook on Sunday that 15 passengers and crew members had been accounted for alive.
The MV Matui was travelling from Santo to Ambae with 47 people on board, including crew members, according to the Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation.
Luganville MP Matai Seremaiah said rescue efforts began after a crew member swam ashore and raised the alarm, according to remarks broadcast by New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ.
“He alerted us that the ship has capsized, we went out for the search,” Seremaiah said.
Efforts shifted to southeast coast
The prime minister’s office said the search in open waters was being scaled back as efforts shifted to the southeast coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
“The 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 office said a full investigation would be conducted to establish the facts and prevent a recurrence.
It also urged ship owners to prioritise safety, ensure vessels are seaworthy and properly equipped, and maintain reliable communication systems.
“Ignoring strong marine warnings puts lives at risk,” it said.
