Authorities have called off the search for survivors after a ferry sank off Vanuatu, leaving 39 people presumed dead WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- A search has ended for those missing after a passenger ferry sank in rough seas off the coast of Vanuatu, with 39 people believed dead, an official told The on Friday. No more people have been pulled from the water since last weekend, when 14 survivors and two bodies were found. The ferry MV Matui was traveling between the islands of Santo and Ambae with 53 people on board when it sank Sept. 11, a deputy commissioner of Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority Lloyd M.
The sinking wasn't reported for a full day, officials said this week, and the number of people on board was unclear for several days. Some earlier registered as missing were found not to have travelled on the boat, Fikiasi said. While two bodies were recovered last weekend, the search at sea ended Thursday with 37 still missing.
The authority this week laid criminal complaints with the police about the owners of Tui Shipping, the company's management and the ferry's master, for breaches of maritime law, local news outlets reported. Vanuatu's Daily Post reported that the vessel was not authorized to carry passengers and that the company was warned about overloading of personnel and cargo by inspectors the day before the sinking. The country’s meteorological service issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry sailed.
Napat on Friday visited survivors and bereaved families on Santo and Ambae, where he called for calm and pledged an independent investigation into the sinking. He earlier said he had cancelled a scheduled visit to the U.N. General Assembly in New York to deal with the disaster.
A national memorial service would be held Sept. 27, Napat said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events
Extract — continue reading at the source.
