Two siblings survive Vanuatu disaster swimming to Santo island
Families of the Vanuatu ferry survivors are counting their blessings as the search continues for people still missing at sea.
Two young siblings swam towards Santo Island after the ferry they were travelling on sank, according to their aunt, Violet Tari.
Arian and Talesa Tari were travelling from Santo to Ambae aboard the MV Matui on Friday morning, when large waves capsized the ferry.
Luganville MP Matai Seremaiah said the vessel sank at about 9:30am.
The number of death remains at two, and more than 30 people are still missing, while 14 have been rescued.
Speaking to Pacific Waves, Violet Tari said she is grateful that her niece and nephew are still alive. It is understood that while the siblings were swimming towards Santo, the superyacht Lunaris spotted them and were rescued between 10pm and 10:15pm on Saturday night.
“They only swim to find the islands, they came across as if they were on the sea and they were pulled by the tides, and they came across the islands and they came to Santo.”
Arian and Talesa Tari are both recovering at the Northern Provincial Hospital in Luganville, Santo and their aunt said it was an emotional reunion when she visited them.
“They were only crying when they saw us, when they saw us in the hospital. We all cried together first. No talking, no anything but crying,” Tari said.
“I feel happy because we received them.”
Tari said the siblings have not spoken much about what happened but understands they are still in shock.
“We only encourage them not to worry about anything because now we already there, we will be as good. But maybe they will say things with their experience later.”
While neither siblings have suffered major injuries, Tari said her niece appears to have rashes on her neck. She said they have been in contact with the police.
The family is now focused on supporting the pair as they receive medical care.
Mother of survivor feared the worst
Another survivor, Max Tari is also recovering in hospital after spending hours at sea.
His mother, Primerose Garae told Pacific Waves she feared he had died knowing how rough the sea was and prayed for him.
“When the boat drowned, I’m thinking that he already died,” Garae said.
“I’m very sad that time … I pray to Jehovah that Jehovah will be helping him.”
However, her fears had been eased when she saw Max’s name on a list of people who had been found.
Search and rescue ongoing
The Vanuatu government has said the sinking appears to have involved strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, with possible negligence including overloading of the vessel.
A full investigation is expected to examine what happened.
International assistance has also been provided, with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in New Caledonia supporting the operation and a French Armed Forces aircraft taking part in aerial surveillance.
