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Vanuatu PM’s Office Takes Control of Maritime Safety Authority After Ferry Sinking

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of a rescuer in open water supporting an exhausted ferry survivor in a red life jacket on a red flotation board, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister’s Office has taken control of the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority as questions grow over shipping oversight and the response to the MV Matui sinking. The ferry sank off Vanuatu on September 11, leaving one person confirmed dead, 15 survivors and more than 35 people missing in the latest report. The responsible ministry cited strong winds, ignored marine warnings, possible overloading and negligence as potential factors, and promised an investigation. Luganville MP Matai Seremaiah said the search began 36 hours after the sinking, while survivor Rayve Sangal described too few flotation devices aboard.

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