At least one dead, more than 30 missing after MV Matui ferry sinks between Santo and Ambae, Vanuatu

The Prime Minister’s Office reported that more than 40 passengers and crew members were aboard the ferry at thee time.

Taken literally, the government’s accounting of 15 people alive, one deceased and more than 30 missing represents at least 47 people.

ABC News separately reported 34 passengers and 11 crew members, for a total of 45, while Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation, reported 47. Authorities had not publicly reconciled the difference in reports as of September 13.

The Vanuatu Police Force said on September 13 that the search-and-rescue operation had entered its second day. Police published a briefing by Assistant Commissioner David Bongranlie of Northern Command covering operations through Sunday and said further updates would follow.

Luganville MP Matai Seremiah said the search in open waters was being eased while teams concentrated on the southeast coast, where currents may have carried survivors. Communities along the Ambae coast were asked to watch for and assist anyone reaching shore.

The government thanked HELPR 1, Dr. Mark Turnbull, Seremiah, coastal communities, volunteers and seafarers participating in the operation.

International assistance included support from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Nouméa, New Caledonia, and a French Armed Forces aircraft deployed on Sunday morning. The coordination centre said 12 people had been located that morning, although available reports did not indicate that they were additional to the 15 people accounted for alive by the Vanuatu government.

Police said one survivor swam to Santo and was helped ashore by a diver. The vessel LC Mahalia recovered several other survivors, while Luganville harbour master Terry Ngwele told ABC News that his rescue vessel had recovered two people during Saturday’s search.

Turnbull used an aircraft to drop life jackets to people in the water and helped direct rescue vessels toward survivors.

A marine strong-wind warning was in effect for all Vanuatu coastal waters on September 11. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) forecast southeast to south-southeast winds of approximately 40–55 km/h (25–35 mph) and very rough seas of approximately 2.5–3 m (8–10 feet) over northern waters.

Police told national broadcaster VBCTC that MV Matui sank in rough seas. The Prime Minister’s Office subsequently said the loss appeared to involve strong winds, marine warnings not being heeded and possible negligence, including overloading.

These factors had not been established as the final cause. The government said a full investigation would determine what led to the sinking and examine compliance with maritime-safety requirements.

The Prime Minister’s Office also urged vessel operators to ensure their ships were seaworthy, carried the required safety equipment and had functioning communication systems.

MV Matui was operated by Tui Shipping Agency.

References:

¹ Sympathy Message: MV Matui Traged – Vanuatu Prime Ministers Office/Facebook – September 13, 2026

² Marine Strong Wind Warning for all coastal waters – VMGD/Facebook – September 11, 2026

³ One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks – Reuters – September 13, 2026