Ferry sinks in Vanuatu: 38 people remain missing
The inter-island ferry MV Matui sank between the islands of Ambae and Santo in Vanuatu, with 34 passengers and 11 crew members on board. Seven people were rescued, while the fate of another 38 remains unknown, ABC News reports.
Search continues
According to police, the vessel sank on Friday in rough seas during a voyage between Ambae and Santo in the north of the country. Twenty-four hours after the incident, rescue vessels and a medical aviation aircraft were searching for people.
One of the survivors reached shore on Santo Island. There, a diver brought him to the local community for assistance. Residents along the coasts of Ambae Island were also urged to watch for possible victims and help them.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Rescue vessels and aviation
Former Foreign Minister Matai Seremaya, who was aboard the vessel LC Mahalia, rescued several people. He said on Facebook that an aircraft spotted two more victims, but darkness complicated their rescue.
Mark Turnbull used his aircraft to drop life jackets and help locate people for rescue vessels. Luganville port chief on Santo Island Terry Ngwele, who was aboard another rescue vessel, told ABC News that the search would continue the following day.
