One person died and over 30 remained missing after the MV Matui ferry sank between Vanuatu’s Ambae and Santo islands on September 11, 2026, with officials citing strong winds, ignored marine warnings, and possible negligence, including overloading.
Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister described the sinking as the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence, including overloading of the vessel, according to a Facebook update from the Ministry of the Prime Minister – Vanuatu page.
Survivors Tell of Struggle to Stay Afloat
Jefferson, a survivor rescued on Santo, recounted his ordeal: We floated to Ambae, but the tide was too strong … I swam … until I ended up here (Santo),
. Turnbull, based in Torba, dropped life jackets to five floating passengers,
Government Calls for Full Investigation
One dead, over 30 missing after ferry sinks in
The government pledged a full investigation to prevent future tragedies, while urging ship owners to ensure vessels are seaworthy with proper safety equipment.
MP Matai Seremaiah, assisting in the search, noted that efforts had shifted to the southeast coast, where currents might have carried survivors. A French Armed Forces aircraft and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, were also deployed to aid in the operation.
Calls for Community Vigilance
Authorities urged coastal communities on Ambae to remain alert for survivors, with Matai Seremaiah, who helped rescue passengers aboard the LC Mahalia, calling for continued vigilance.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Search
At least 30 missing after inter-island ferry sinks off
Despite efforts, over 30 people remain missing at sea, with the search expected to continue. The focus remains on the southeast coast, where survivors may have drifted.
The tragedy has sparked mourning across Vanuatu, with the Prime Minister’s office issuing a statement: To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief,
. As the search continues, the nation grapples with the human toll and the urgent need for maritime safety reforms.
Vanuatu authorities have been searching for survivors after an inter-island ferry carrying 34 passengers and 11 crew members sank in critical weather conditions on Friday. Police told national broadcaster VBCTC that MV Matui sank in rough seas on Friday while sailing between the islands of Ambae and Santo. Police said one survivor made it to shore on the island of Santo, where a diver took him to the local community for help. A video showing the man, named Jefferson, covered in a blanket and being offered a cup of hot tea has been shared widely on social media.
Matai Seremaiah, who was aboard the vessel LC Mahalia, rescued a number of survivors. He posted on Facebook that two additional survivors had been spotted by a plane, though darkness made retrieval difficult. Flying Doctor Mark Turnbull used his plane to drop life jackets and helped locate survivors for rescue vessels.
Terry Ngwele, harbour master of Luganville on the island of Santo – who was on another rescue vessel – said the search would continue tomorrow. We rescued two people today,
he told ABC News. ABC has sought comment from the Vanuatu government, police, and Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority. The Government is promising a full investigation, with the Prime Minister’s public relations officer, Kiery Mannaseh, stating the government was concerned the vessel had not heeded strong marine wind warnings issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazard Department on the day it departed.
At least 30 missing and one dead after inter-island
Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister said the sinking appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence, including overloading of the vessel.
The search in open waters is now being eased, with efforts shifting towards the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors, according to Luganville MP Matai Seremiah, who is assisting with the search. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, is assisting with the operation, while a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday morning. The centre said 12 people were located on Sunday morning.
The government has thanked those involved in the rescue effort, including HELPR 1, Dr Mark Turnbull, who is based in Torba, and Seremiah, as well as communities, volunteers, and seafarers assisting with the coastal search. The Prime Minister’s public relations officer, Kiery Mannaseh, told national broadcaster VBTC News the government was concerned the vessel had not heeded strong marine wind warnings issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazard Department on the day it departed. Mannaseh said the government would prioritise search and rescue efforts before conducting a full investigation into the cause of the sinking.
The MV Matui set sail on Friday with more than 40 passengers and crew from the island of Santo to Ambae in very rough seas, but did not arrive. Fifteen people have been accounted for alive, and one body has been recovered, according to a Facebook update from the Ministry of the Prime Minister – Vanuatu page. Over 30 people remain missing at sea,
the post read. The Prime Minister’s office said the investigation will examine why the vessel did not heed the warnings and establish the facts surrounding the tragedy.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office released a statement on Sunday (September 13) saying, Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
The statement added that over 30 people remain missing at sea
and that an investigation into potential negligence has been launched. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, said it is assisting with the search, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday (September 13) morning. The centre said 12 people were located on Sunday morning.
The member of parliament for Luganville, Matai Seremaiah, who is assisting in the search, said efforts would concentrate on the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors. Published – September 13, 2026 06:29 am IST.
