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A tragedy struck Vanuatu, as a ferry sank off the coast of the country, claiming one life, as over 30 people remain missing.
Where was the ferry headed?
The vessel, MV Matui, had set sail with more than 40 passengers and crew on Friday from the island of Santo to Ambae Island in very rough seas, but it did not arrive.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones," Vanuatu prime minister Jotham Napat's office said in a statement on Sunday, September 13.
It added, "Search and rescue operations are continuing."
Fifteen of those onboard have been "accounted for alive" and one body has been recovered, the statement said.
"Over 30 people remain missing at sea," it said.
"To the survivors, we pray for your strength and recovery. To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief."
An investigation into potential negligence and has been launched.
Possible reason for the ferry's accident
In the statement, it was shared that the accident "appears" to be due to strong winds, dismissal of marine warnings, and possible negligence such as overloading of the vessel.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia said it was assisting with the search, and a French Armed Forces aircraft was deployed on Sunday morning.
The centre said 12 people were located on Sunday morning.
Matai Seremaiah, the member of parliament for Luganville who is assisting in the search, said efforts would concentrate on the southeast coast where currents may have carried survivors.
