SUVA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least one person has been confirmed dead and more than 30 are missing after a ferry sank off Vanuatu's coast, the country's government said on Sunday.
The Ministry of the Prime Minister of Vanuatu stated in a post on Facebook that the vessel was carrying more than 40 crew members and passengers when the tragedy occurred.
Fifteen people have been accounted for alive, one body has been recovered, and more than 30 others remain missing at sea, the statement said.
The MV Matui set sail on Friday from the island of Santo to Ambae in very rough seas.
The post said the search in open waters is being eased off whilst efforts move toward a search along the south-east coast, where currents may have carried survivors.
It said the loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel.
Search and rescue operations are underway. ■
