Survivors rescued after MV Matui capsizes, families mourn missing

On Friday morning the ferry MV Matui departed Santo for Ambae when large waves overturned the vessel at about 9:30 am, resulting in two confirmed deaths and over 30 passengers still missing. Two young siblings, Arian and Talesa Tari, managed to swim toward Santo and were rescued by the superyacht Lunaris between 10 pm and 10:15 pm on Saturday. The children are being treated at Northern Provincial Hospital in Luganville, where their aunt Violet Tari recounted a tearful reunion.

Another survivor, Max Tari, also remains in the hospital after spending hours at sea. Authorities attribute the disaster to strong winds, ignored marine warnings, and possible overloading, and a full investigation is planned. International aid, including support from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia and a French Armed Forces aircraft, is assisting the ongoing rescue effort.