Latest news in Vanuatu? September 22nd, 2026

The major news developments in Vanuatu around September 22, 2026, include:

• MV Matui Ferry Tragedy: Authorities officially ended the active search for the remaining 37 missing passengers following the sinking of the inter-island ferry MV Matui, which went down between Santo and Ambae. With 14 survivors and 2 confirmed bodies recovered, 39 people are now presumed dead. Prime Minister Jotham Napat ordered an independent commission of inquiry and cancelled his trip to the United Nations General Assembly to handle the fallout, while the Maritime Safety Authority lodged criminal complaints against the vessel’s management, citing severe overloading and lack of passenger authorization.

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• Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action: The Vanuatu government formally signed the global Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action in Port Vila. The signing followed appeals from young participants at the national Conference of Youth, committing state policy to prioritize young people in domestic adaptation planning and international legal climate actions.

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• Luganville Prison Break: Police in Sanma Province launched an investigation following a security breach at the Luganville correctional facility, where inmates escaped custody after using a hacksaw to cut through cell bars.

• Ongoing Volcanic Alert at Manaro Voui (Ambae): Humanitarian teams and disaster management agencies continue monitoring communities across Ambae and North Pentecost affected by ashfall and gas plumes from the Manaro Voui volcano, which has disrupted local water catchments and agriculture.

  ReliefWeb