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Vanuatu ends search for 37 people missing in ferry sinking
Officials said rough seas and strong winds helped sink the MV Matui, and police filed criminal complaints over alleged maritime-law breaches.
- On Friday, Vanuatu officials concluded the sea search for the MV Matui ferry, which sank Sept. 11 between Santo and Ambae, with 39 people now believed dead and 14 survivors recovered.
- Prime Minister Jotham Napat cited potential negligence, noting the vessel was unauthorized to carry passengers and had been warned about overloading by inspectors before the ferry sailed despite a marine warning for strong winds on Sept. 11.
- Criminal complaints were filed by the Maritime Safety Authority against Tui Shipping, its management, and the ferry's master for breaching maritime law, while officials stated the sinking went unreported for a full day.
- Prime Minister Napat cancelled his trip to the General Assembly in New York to manage the crisis, meeting survivors and bereaved families on Friday; a national memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 27.
- Maritime Safety Authority official Lloyd Fikiasi confirmed some registered individuals never boarded the ship, explaining discrepancies in missing persons counts as search operations concluded Thursday with 37 people still missing at sea.
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Boat Accident: The search for missing people from a passenger boat that sank in a tragic accident off the coast of Vanuatu has been called off. 39 people are feared dead in the accident, an official told the Associated Press on Friday. The official said 14 survivors were found last weekend […]
With the 37 missing people now also considered "dead," the death toll has risen to 39.
Authorities closed the search for missing persons following the sinking of a ferry due to the bad sea off the coast of Vanuatu, with 39 people believed to have died, a staff member told The Associated Press on Friday.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
C 22%
14%
Factuality
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