Over three dozen individuals are feared lost at sea following the tragic sinking of the M.V. Matui ferry off the coast of Vanuatu in the South Pacific on September 11, 2026. Sharing her harrowing experience of surviving a similar journey aboard the same vessel, author Kat Finnerty recounted how a routine trip turned into a nightmare.
Finnerty, a Toronto native residing in Vanuatu, embarked on the M.V. Matui after a visit to the volcanic island of Ambae in 2024 with her daughter. Stranded with no available flights, they sought passage on the cargo ship, known to occasionally transport passengers as well.
The voyage initially seemed promising under clear skies, but as they ventured into open waters, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Battling turbulent seas and a distressing breach, Finnerty described the captain’s grim acknowledgment of the peril they faced.
Despite the ordeal lasting 12 hours instead of the scheduled four, Finnerty and her daughter eventually reached safety, a stark contrast to the fate that befell the recent passengers of the ill-fated ferry.
Tragically, the M.V. Matui encountered inclement weather on September 11, resulting in its sinking with 53 individuals on board. While fourteen survivors have been rescued, 39 individuals remain missing and are presumed deceased.
The Vanuatu government has initiated an investigation into the incident, revealing that the vessel was not authorized to carry passengers and had been cautioned about exceeding its capacity by inspectors before the tragic event.
Reflecting on the catastrophic loss, Finnerty expressed hope that this tragedy would prompt necessary reforms in maritime regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
As she prepares to return to Vanuatu, Finnerty aims to provide support to grieving families and contribute to the community’s healing process.
