CAPSIZES FERRY;;

Vanuatu inter-island ferry capsizes with 41 people on board

Map: The ferry was travelling between Malukula and Port Vila

A major rescue operation is underway off Vanuatu after an inter-island ferry capsized, throwing its 41 passengers and crew into the water.

Thirty-seven people have been rescued, but four others are reported to be trapped underneath the barge, named 'MCY'.

The ferry was travelling between Malekula and the capital, Port Vila when it capsized, around 3.5 kilometres from Mangaliliu village, north of Efate island.

Mangaliliu Village Chief Kalkot Mormor says his people saw the incident and alerted the authorities in Port Vila for rescue.

Port Vila journalist Tony Wilson says the captain issued a distress call around 3-4am local time.

"Police have commandeered one of the other inter-island ferries, which has gone to bring back those that have been rescued and divers are being dispatched to search for those that are still missing," he said.

PHOTO: Inter-island ferries similar to the one pictured are a major means of transportation between Vanuatu's many islands 

Vanuatu Police Force used the 'Big Sista' commercial ferry, which normally transports tourists and locals in the area, to rescue passengers.

Chief Mormor says Vanuatu Red Cross has brought fuel for local fishing vessels to assist in the search for the missing passengers.

Police say they have been informed that before the vessel left Malekula it had been undergoing repairs for a hole in the body of the ship.

Vanuatu is comprised of more than 80 islands, more than 60 of which are inhabited - meaning inter-island ferries are a major means of transportation across the archipelago.

original post found herhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-11/an-ferry-capsize-off-vanuatu/5589588