Dozens missing after passenger ferry sinks as rescuers scour South Pacific coastline

A desperate search is underway in the South Pacific after a passenger ferry carrying dozens of people sank between two islands in Vanuatu, an island nation east of Australia.

At least one person has died and more than 30 others remain missing as search-and-rescue operations continue, according to a statement shared on Facebook by Vanuatu’s Ministry of the Prime Minister.

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The MV Matui was traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it sank Friday, according to The Associated Press (AP). It had 47 people on board. 

Searchers rescued 15 survivors and recovered one body — but local authorities have now shifted their efforts toward the coastline as the hunt for the remaining passengers continues, AP reported.

Search efforts are being scaled back in open waters and shifted toward Vanuatu’s southeastern coastline, where currents may have carried survivors, according to Matai Seremaiah, Parliament member for Luganville, the ministry said.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones,” the ministry wrote. “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.”

Retired Coast Guard Capt. Aaron Davenport, based in Virginia, told Fox News Digital that several factors could determine the survival chances of those still missing.

Water temperature, injuries and access to flotation or other lifesaving equipment could all affect how long someone can survive after entering the water, Davenport said.

“They may be clinging to debris. But as the days go on, the chances of survival are less and less,” he said, adding that a lack of food and water, along with the risk of hypothermia, could reduce the chances of survival.

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The ministry noted that the tragedy likely resulted from ignored marine warnings about strong winds, along with the possibility that the vessel was overloaded. 

“The safety of life at sea must come first.”

“This tragedy is a reminder that the safety of life at sea must come first,” the ministry said. “Ship owners must ensure their vessels are seaworthy, carry all required safety equipment and have proper communication systems on board. Ignoring strong marine warnings puts lives at risk.”

The government has launched a full investigation to establish the facts and help prevent a similar tragedy from happening again, the ministry said.

Fox News Digital previously reported that another deadly ferry disaster unfolded Aug. 30, when the Filo Jet catamaran, carrying 267 people, capsized off northern Cyprus.

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Fourteen people died and another 14 remain missing, while 239 people were brought ashore alive. Search and recovery efforts are continuing.

The ferry began taking on water shortly after leaving port, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

Authorities are investigating the sinking as questions continue to emerge about what caused the vessel to go down.