Questions grow after Vanuatu ferry sinking as rescuers search for more than 30 missing

Authorities are searching for more than 30 people missing after a ferry is believed to have sunk off Vanuatu's coastByCHARLOTTE GRAHAM-MCLAY Associated PressSeptember 14, 2026, 11:48 PMWELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Questions were growing about a passenger ferry believed to have sunk off the coast of Vanuatu as rescuers on Tuesday searched for more than 30 people still missing. The sinking on Friday, which officials said wasn’t reported for almost a full day, has killed at least two people.No further bodies or survivors were recovered Monday from the sea or coastline near where the MV Matui was believed to have sunk, local news outlet VBTC said. Two bodies were recovered and 14 survivors were found by rescuers over the weekend, the broadcaster said, citing the police. Vanuatu Police Assistant Commissioner David Bongranlie gave the total number on board as 53 on Tuesday, according to VBTC.The circumstances of the sinking, including when it happened, weren’t clear on Tuesday. Vanuatu police said they hadn’t been told the vessel was missing until 22 hours after it was believed to have sunk, VBTC reported Bongranlie as saying. Vanuatu's Daily Post reported that the vessel wasn't approved t...