At least one person has died and more than 30 remain missing after the inter-island ferry MV Matui sank off the coast of Vanuatu, according to a statement from Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s office on Sunday. Search and rescue operations were continuing after the vessel went down in bad weather while carrying dozens of crew members and passengers.

Fifteen people have so far been accounted for alive, the statement said. The ferry sank on Friday between the islands of Ambae and Santo, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate those who remain missing. The incident has prompted an extensive search operation in waters around the Pacific island nation.

According to New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ, the search began after the ferry sank in adverse weather conditions. Napat’s office said the authorities were adjusting their search strategy, with operations in open waters being eased as efforts shifted towards the south-east coast. Officials believe ocean currents may have carried survivors towards the coastline.

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The Prime Minister’s office said the incident appeared to have been linked to strong winds and marine warnings that may not have been followed. It also raised the possibility of negligence, including the vessel potentially being overloaded. The circumstances surrounding the sinking remain under investigation as rescue teams continue searching for missing passengers and crew.

Authorities and agencies involved in the response include Vanuatu police and the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, while the vessel was operated by Tui Shipping Agency. The agencies and ferry operator had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Search teams remain focused on locating survivors and accounting for everyone who was aboard the MV Matui.

Napat expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and offered support to the missing passengers’ families. His office said the nation stood with the survivors and families affected by the tragedy as search and rescue efforts continued along Vanuatu’s coast.

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