Vanuatu Rescuers Shift Search for 31 After 47-Person Ferry Sinks
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Vanuatu Rescuers Shift Search for 31 After 47-Person Ferry Sinks
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Summary
Vanuatu rescuers have scaled back open-water searches and shifted toward the southeastern coastline after the MV Matui sank between Ambae and Santo, leaving more than 30 people still unaccounted for.
Of the 47 people aboard, search teams have rescued 15 survivors and recovered one body, pointing authorities to a missing count of 31 as currents may have carried people ashore.
Officials said ignored marine warnings about strong winds and the possibility of overloading likely contributed to the sinking, which happened Friday.
The government has opened a full investigation, while rescue experts warned survival odds fall with time, injuries, exposure, dehydration and limited flotation.