Six Adventists are believed to have died in the MV Matui ferry sinking, according to Vanuatu Mission. Described as one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Vanuatu’s history, the tragedy also saw Adventists take part in efforts to locate and rescue survivors.
The vessel sank in rough seas on September 11 while travelling from Santo to Ambae. According to Vanuatu authorities, 53 people were on board, with 14 survivors rescued and two bodies recovered. The search ended on September 17 with 37 people still missing.
Vanuatu Mission reported on a social media post that several Adventist families lost relatives, including the families of pastors, church leaders and other members.
On September 19, the Crown of Thorn Singing Ministry organised a memorial service at Samansen Wharf in Luganville, where the MV Matui had departed on its final voyage. Local Adventists gathered to remember those lost and support grieving families.
Among those affected was Luganville Adventist School principal Wesley Karae Seth, whose 72-year-old brother was travelling on the vessel.
Mr Seth learned of the incident on September 12 while participating in a school outreach activity.
Retired Adventist pastor Jonathan Bule and his wife also lost their son Jerry Bule, 38, who was a ship captain and leaves behind his wife and two children. Their other son, Pastor Shane Bule, travelled from Malekula to Luganville to support the family.
Minister Shemo Wilson’s 22-year-old son was also travelling on the MV Matui and is believed to have died. According to Vanuatu Mission, the family prayed and fasted for 11 days after the vessel sank, hoping he and the other missing passengers would be found alive.
Other affected Adventist families include members from the Lolovatali and Waluriki communities in north-west Ambae.
Adventists were also among those who joined efforts to locate and rescue survivors.
Adventist businessman Peter Terry, owner of Luganville-based Indigenous Island Shipping Services, began contacting authorities after receiving a call from a relative on Ambae concerned that something had happened to the MV Matui. According to Vanuatu Mission, his home subsequently became a meeting point for people involved in communicating and coordinating search efforts.
Mr Terry also contacted Adventist doctor and pilot Dr Mark Turnbull, who runs a flying doctor service in northern Vanuatu. Dr Turnbull used his aircraft to search for survivors, locating several from the air and providing their coordinates to rescue vessels.
He told ABC Pacific he joined the search around 24 hours after the vessel sank. During the operation, he also dropped drinking water to survivors before a boat could reach them.
Vanuatu Mission reported that other Adventist members used their own boats to assist in the search.
