One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks, Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office says

A ferry sank off Vanuatu's coast in bad weather, leaving at least one dead and more than 30 missing. Search efforts are shifting from open waters to the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors. The prime minister's office cited strong winds, unheeded warnings, and possible overloading as causes. The MV Matui went down between Ambae and Santo on Friday, September 11, 2026, with 15 people accounted for alive. Authorities have not commented.

A ferry, the MV Matui, sank off the coast of Vanuatu in bad weather on Friday, September 11, 2026, between the islands of Ambae and Santo. At least one person was confirmed dead, and more than 30 remain missing. Fifteen people have been accounted for alive. The office of Prime Minister Jotham Napat stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts shifting from open waters to the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors. The statement attributed the sinking to strong winds, unheeded marine warnings, and possible overloading of the vessel. Vanuatu police, the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, and the ferry's operator, Tui Shipping Agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.