'We could have saved more': Vanuatu MP criticises 30-hour search delay after ferry sinking
A Vanuatu MP has criticized the government's 30-hour delay in launching a search for a ferry that sank with 45 people on board. While 15 survivors have been rescued, over 30 people remain missing in difficult weather conditions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights critical gaps in maritime search and rescue infrastructure and communication protocols in island nations.
A Vanuatu MP says it took more than 30 hours for a boat search to begin after an inter-island ferry sank in rough seas , saying more lives might have been saved if information about the incident had been provided sooner.
The MV Matui was carrying 45 people when it sank between the islands of Santo and Ambae on Friday morning.
Luganville MP Matai Seremaiah said the vessel left Santo at 6am (local time) and sank at about 9.30am.
"What we now know is that the vessel capsized at 9.30am."
But Seremaiah said those on the ground did not begin their own search until about 4pm on Saturday - more than 30 hours after the vessel sank.
He said there was confusion and misinformation about what had happened, including reports the vessel was drifting.
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