Vanuatu ferry disaster: 30-hour wait for search and rescue amid large swells
“We could have saved more.”
Luganville MP Matai Seremaiah has criticised the response to the sinking of the MV Matui, saying a search involving people on the ground did not begin until more than 30 hours after the vessel sank.
The inter-island ferry sank between Santo and Ambae at around 9.30am on Friday after departing Santo at about 6am.
Seremaiah said the vessel was believed to have been drifting, with authorities initially unclear about what had happened.
“What we now know is that the vessel capsized at 9.30am.”
He said those on the ground began their own search at around 4pm on Saturday.
“We were awaiting for coordinates, but nothing came through until one of surviving crew swarm ashore and alerted us that the ship has capsized.”
Seremaiah said local people then went out to search for survivors.
“We were not given any instructions at the time, and in the end, I and, other people went out to search,” he said.
A local pilot later spotted survivors and provided coordinates to vessels involved in the rescue.
Large swells hamper search
The search has been carried out in difficult marine conditions, with Seremaiah reporting swells of between 2.5 and 3 metres during the search on Saturday.
“Yesterday, during the search, the weather was really bad, swells were up to 2.5 to 3 metres, and again, because we left late, 4pm yesterday, and only a few hours before dark set in, it made it really difficult with the weather conditions.”
VBTC News has reported that a strong marine wind warning remains in place across Vanuatu's coastal waters, with swells reaching up to four metres.
The Vanuatu Police Force Northern Command said vessel-based search and rescue operations were suspended overnight and would resume at first light.
Search efforts have involved local vessels, with assistance from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia and a French Armed Forces aircraft.
Seremaiah said the search was also being conducted towards the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
Survivor accounts
Survivors have described being forced into the water after the vessel capsized.
One survivor, Jefferson, reached Santo after swimming through strong currents.
“We floated to Ambae, but the tide was too strong.”
“I swam until I ended up here (Santo).”
Another survivor, Rayve Sangal, said passengers were thrown into the sea when the ferry overturned.
According to his account, there were not enough floating objects for passengers to hold onto.
Rayve and another survivor, Nikola, found life jackets and attempted to swim towards an island, but strong currents pushed them back into open water.
The pair later gave their life jackets to two other people who were struggling before continuing without them.
They eventually reached Tutuba Island, where they were found by local residents.
Casualty figures remain unclear
The number of people aboard the MV Matui and the number of people still missing remain subject to differing reports.
The Vanuatu Government has reported that 15 people have been accounted for alive, one body has been recovered and more than 30 people remain missing.
VBTC News has since reported that the Vanuatu Police Force Northern Command confirmed a second death.
VBTC News has also reported that 47 people, including crew members, were aboard the vessel. Earlier reports had put the number at 45.
The casualty and passenger figures are expected to be clarified as the search and investigation continue.
Families of those aboard the ferry have gathered in Santo as authorities continue efforts to locate those still missing.
Investigation into possible negligence
The Vanuatu Government has launched an investigation into the sinking.
The investigation will examine whether marine warnings were followed and whether possible negligence, including overloading, contributed to the incident.
The Prime Minister's Office said:
“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 government has said search and rescue remains the priority before the investigation is carried out.
Maritime safety authority moved under Prime Minister's Office
In a separate development, responsibility for the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority has been transferred from the Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean and Maritime Affairs to the Ministry of the Prime Minister.
The transfer took effect on 13 September under an Instrument of Withdrawal and Assignment of Function issued by Prime Minister Jotham Napat.
The move places responsibility for the authority directly under the Prime Minister's portfolio.
The government told VBTC News the change comes at a time when questions are being raised over the enforcement of maritime safety requirements and the government's response to serious incidents at sea.
The transfer does not establish that the MV Matui sinking prompted the change, but it comes as the government investigates the circumstances surrounding the ferry disaster.
Search continues
The Prime Minister's Office has expressed its support for those affected by the sinking.
“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.”
Search and rescue operations are continuing along Vanuatu's coastal waters.
The investigation into the sinking and the response to the incident is also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the vessel's departure, the marine warnings in place and the communication and coordination of the search.
This is a developing story. Passenger and casualty figures may change as authorities continue to verify information.