Archive · 13 Sep 2026
One Dead, Dozens Missing After Ferry Sinks Near Vanuatu
A ferry called the MV Matui sank near Vanuatu.
It was carrying about 40 passengers and crew.
The boat had left Santo for Ambae Island on Friday.
The sea was very rough, and the ferry did not arrive.
One person was confirmed dead, while some people were found alive.
One survivor reached a beach and alerted people to the sinking.
Officials and private groups began searching for others.
Reports gave different numbers for how many people had been rescued or were still missing.
The MV Matui sank after leaving Santo for Ambae Island on Friday in very rough seas.
Vanuatu’s government confirmed one death and said 15 people had been accounted for alive.
The government said more than 30 people remained unaccounted for, although another local account cited different recovery figures.
A survivor reached a beach near a hotel on Santo on Saturday after spending about a day in the water.
Search and rescue operations continued under the control of Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office.
- Who
- Passengers and crew aboard the MV Matui; Vanuatu authorities, local residents, and private search teams responded.
- What
- The MV Matui sank, leaving at least one person dead and many others missing.
- When
- The ferry sank on Friday; the incident became known to officials on Saturday, and the government issued an update on Sunday, September 13.
- Where
- Off the coast of Vanuatu, while traveling from Santo to Ambae Island; survivors were taken toward a hospital on Santo.
- Why
- The ferry was traveling in very rough seas, but the articles do not state a confirmed cause of the sinking.
Government Account
Local Account
Casualty and recovery figures
Government Account
Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office reported one confirmed death, 15 people accounted for alive, and more than 30 people still unaccounted for.
Local Account
Hotel owner Ashley Beveridge said that, at one point, 18 people had been recovered and that there were two or three dead, producing figures that differed from the government’s account.
Response and rescue timing
Government Account
The government said search and rescue operations were continuing after authorities took control of the maritime search on Sunday afternoon.
Local Account
Beveridge said no rescue had started until a survivor reached the hotel area, although local cargo ship owners, a doctor with a plane, and a private medical vessel began searching on Saturday afternoon.
- Vessel
- MV Matui
- Passengers and crew
- About 40
- Confirmed death
- One, according to the Vanuatu government
- Government-confirmed survivors
- 15 people accounted for alive
- Reported missing
- More than 30 people, according to the government statement
- Route
- Santo to Ambae Island
- Search operation
- Led by Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office from Sunday afternoon