More than 30 missing after passenger ferry sinks off Vanuatu

A search operation continued Monday in waters off Vanuatu for more than 30 people reported missing after a passenger ferry sank, officials said.

The MV Matui was carrying 47 people while travelling between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it sank on Friday, according to local news reports.

Search teams using boats rescued 15 people from the water over the weekend, the prime minister's office said in a statement on Sunday.

One body was also recovered, while more than 30 people remained unaccounted for, according to the statement.

The search operation will now shift its focus to the coastline, where ocean currents may have carried survivors, rather than continuing mainly in open waters.

The prime minister's office said the incident appeared to have resulted from strong winds and marine warnings not being followed. It also cited possible negligence, including overloading of the vessel.

Vanuatu's meteorological service had issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry began its journey.  (with inputs from Associated Press)