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[Policy News | Issue 25] Ferry Sinking and Volcanic Disaster Hit Vanuatu; China Delivers Emergency Assistance to Support Relief and Recovery!
Recently, the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu was struck by back-to-back disasters—a maritime ferry sinking and a volcanic eruption—drawing widespread attention from the international community.
In response to the disasters, the Government of Vanuatu swiftly launched search-and-rescue operations, relief measures, and a comprehensive review of early warning mechanisms, while the Chinese government promptly delivered emergency humanitarian funding to support local rescue and post-disaster recovery operations.
On September 20 local time, the inter-island passenger vessel "MV Matui" capsized and sank in severe sea conditions in Vanuatu, causing casualties and leaving dozens of passengers missing.
Addressing the incident, Fred Jockley Antefalo, Director of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), noted that marine warnings for gale-force winds and high swells had been issued both days prior and in the early morning hours of the incident. However, meteorological agencies are only mandated to provide forecasts and alerts, lacking the enforcement authority to prohibit vessels from setting sail.
This tragedy highlighted an operational gap in translating early weather advisories into binding regulatory action. He called for legislative reforms to explicitly tie weather warnings to vessel departure clearance criteria, while strengthening multi-agency coordination among meteorological, maritime safety, and disaster management bodies.
The ferry disaster also emerged as a critical agenda item at the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) meeting taking place in Tonga.
To personally oversee emergency operations, Vanuatu Prime Minister Napat cancelled his planned attendance at the United Nations General Assembly. Expressing dissatisfaction with the maritime regulatory performance, Prime Minister Napat placed the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister's Office and launched a full investigation.
At this critical juncture as Vanuatu confronts both the ferry sinking and the recent volcanic eruption on Ambae Island, the Chinese government provided an emergency humanitarian grant of USD 100,000. Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang officially handed over the donation to Prime Minister Napat in Port Vila.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office of Vanuatu, the funds will be allocated toward two core areas: supporting emergency response and victim assistance following the "MV Matui" tragedy, and procuring well-drilling equipment and basic living supplies for communities in Ambae Island's volcanic disaster zone to ensure clean drinking water and essential living needs.
Prime Minister Napat expressed sincere appreciation to the Chinese government and people for their timely support, stating that the donation demonstrates the profound friendship between the two countries.
He emphasized that the Vanuatu government remains fully committed to post-disaster recovery, and will continue working closely with international partners to substantially enhance the nation’s disaster preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response capacities.