One dead, over 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks

One person has died and more than 30 remain missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu on Friday, prompting an international search and rescue operation and a government investigation into potential negligence. The Vanuatu government confirmed the casualties on Sunday, stating that 15 people from the MV Matui have been accounted for alive. The interisland ferry, carrying over 40 passengers and crew, departed from the island of Santo for Ambae island on Friday morning in rough seas. It did not arrive at its destination. A statement from Prime Minister Jotham Napat's office said the vessel sank between the two islands. "Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones. Search and rescue operations are continuing," the statement read. The government has launched an investigation into the cause of the sinking. "This loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel," the Prime Minister's office stated. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazard Department had issued strong marine wind warnings on Friday.