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

Vanuatu prime minister Jotham Napat’s office says ‘over 30 people remain missing at sea’ after a ferry sank. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

One person has died and more than 30 are missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu, the country’s government says.

The vessel, MV Matui, had set sail with more than 40 passengers and crew on Friday from the island of Santo to Ambae island in very rough seas, but did not arrive.