One dead and more than 30 missing after ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast in rough seas

Live updates

1. 22h ago

   One dead and over 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks

   A passenger ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu, leaving at least one person dead and more than 30 others missing. The Prime Minister's office and other officials reported the disaster occurred during rough seas. The vessel was an inter-island ferry that capsized amid strong winds. Authorities are now investigating the incident, which has raised questions regarding the adherence to marine safety warnings.

   Why it matters

   Vanuatu relies on inter-island ferries for essential transport between its volcanic islands. This accident highlights potential failures in maritime safety protocols when weather warnings are active.

   What is confirmed

   • One person is dead and more than 30 people are missing after a passenger ferry sank off the Vanuatu coast.
   • The vessel was an inter-island ferry.
   • The sinking occurred during rough seas and strong winds.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Marine warnings were not heeded prior to the ferry sinking.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the final death toll
   • Results of the investigation into why the ferry sailed during marine warnings
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. The Guardian — One dead and more than 30 missing after ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast in rough seas
   2. People.com — At Least 1 Dead, 30 Others Missing After Ferry Sinks amid ‘Strong Winds’ and ‘Marine Warnings Not Being Heeded’
   3. dw.com — Vanuatu ferry capsize leaves one dead, 30 missing
   4. kare11.com — One person is dead and more than 30 missing after a passenger ferry sank off Vanuatu, officials say
   5. Al Jazeera — One dead, more than 30 missing after Vanuatu ferry sinks, PM’s office says
   6. NZ Herald — Vanuatu ferry disaster exposes gap between warnings and action
   7. abc.net.au — At least 30 missing and one dead after inter-island ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast
   confidence 95%