One dead and more than 30 missing after ferry sinks off Vanuatu coast in rough seas

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Published: 2026-09-13T02:55:42.294Z • Permanent link

Prime Minister Bob Loughman has announced a state of emergency in the face of the devastating ferry disaster off Vanuatu's coast. At least one person is confirmed dead, while over 30 are still missing. The vessel, reportedly operated by the Vanuatu-based company, Pacific Islands Shipping, was carrying passengers from the capital Port Vila to the nearby island of Espiritu Santo. Details of the incident are still emerging, but officials have confirmed that the ferry sank in rough seas, approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Espiritu Santo.

According to eyewitnesses, the ferry was on a scheduled departure when it suddenly listed to one side before capsizing. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with multiple vessels and aircraft being deployed to assist. Local authorities have set up a command center to coordinate the response, with personnel from the Vanuatu coast guard, police, and emergency services all involved. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for greater safety measures to be implemented in the region's shipping industry.

Preliminary reports suggest that the ferry was traveling at a speed of approximately 20 knots in the affected waters, which are known to be prone to rough seas. The vessel was reportedly carrying a mix of passengers and crew, although the exact number of individuals on board is still unknown. The incident has raised questions about the safety record of Pacific Islands Shipping, with some calling for greater regulation of the company's operations.

The ferry disaster has significant implications for the shipping industry in the Pacific Islands region. Pacific Islands Shipping is one of the largest operators in the region, with a fleet of vessels that transport passengers, cargo, and goods across the islands. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of the company's operations, with some calling for greater regulation and oversight. The Vanuatu government has already announced plans to increase safety measures, including the implementation of new regulations and increased inspections of vessels.

The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on research communities and markets in the region. The Pacific Islands Shipping vessel was reportedly carrying a mix of passengers and cargo, including scientific equipment and research materials. The loss of these vessels could have significant implications for ongoing research projects and the region's economic development. The incident has also sparked concerns about the impact on tourism, with many visitors to the region expressing concern about the safety of ferry travel.

The ferry disaster is part of a larger pattern of safety concerns in the Pacific Islands shipping industry. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving vessels in the region, including a major oil spill off the coast of Papua New Guinea in 2019. The incident highlighted the need for greater safety measures and regulation in the region, and has led to increased calls for greater oversight and enforcement. The Pacific Islands Shipping incident is also reminiscent of the 2014 sinking of the MV Le Joola, a ferry that capsized off the coast of Senegal, killing over 1,800 people.