Statement from Burnet Institute Vanuatu on the tragic loss of the MV Matui

The Country Office and staff of Burnet Institute in Vanuatu extend our heartfelt condolences following the tragic sinking of the inter-island ferry MV Matui in the waters between Santo and Ambae.  

Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are enduring the agonising wait for news of the missing, and the survivors who are recovering from this harrowing ordeal. We offer our deepest sympathy and support to the affected families and communities in Ambae and across Vanuatu during this time of immense grief.  

We extend our deepest condolences to our staff and colleagues who have personally lost family members in this tragedy. We stand alongside you in grief, and our Burnet family keeps you and your families in our thoughts and hearts during this painful time. 

As an organisation dedicated to serving our people, we share in the collective heartbreak of this tragedy. A loss of this scale touches every home, and we offer our unity of strength to the families, emergency teams, and local volunteers who continue to assist in the search efforts.  

May the strength of our resilience and the unity of our people bring comfort in these dark times, and our faith guide us through the days ahead as we grieve together.