A passenger ferry MV Matui sank off the coast of Vanuatu after encountering rough weather while travelling between the islands of Santo and Ambae. The ferry was carrying more than 40 passengers and crew.
As of September 14, 2026, one person has died, 15 people have been rescued alive, and more than 30 remain missing. Search-and-rescue operations are continuing, with authorities shifting their focus toward Vanuatu’s southeast coast, where ocean currents may have carried survivors.
Vanuatu authorities said strong winds and rough seas appear to have contributed to the disaster. Officials are also investigating whether marine warnings were ignored and whether possible overloading of the vessel played a role.
A French military aircraft has joined the search effort, while local rescue teams continue looking for survivors. The disaster has prompted renewed concerns about maritime safety in the Pacific island nation, where ferry services are an important means of transportation between islands
News as Reported.
