Vanuatu has completed its search for survivors of a ferry that sank near its shores, with 39 people now presumed dead, according to an official statement. The ferry, named MV Matui, was traveling between the islands of Santo and Ambae with 53 people on board when it sank on September 11. Since last weekend, when 14 survivors and two bodies were recovered, no additional individuals have been found. The search officially ended on Thursday, with 37 people still unaccounted for. However, some individuals previously listed as missing were later found not to have been on the ferry. Authorities noted that the sinking was not reported for a full day, and the exact number of people on board remained unclear for several days. Criminal charges have been filed with local police against the owners of Tui Shipping, the company's management, and the ferry's captain for alleged violations of maritime law. According to local news reports, the vessel was not licensed to carry passengers, and inspectors had warned the company the day before the disaster about overloading the ferry with both people and cargo. Vanuatu’s meteorological service had issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on the day the ferry set sail. Prime Minister Jotham Napat stated that the disaster appears to have been caused by strong winds and the failure to heed the marine warnings, as well as possible negligence, including overloading the vessel. Napat visited survivors and families of the deceased on Santo and Ambae on Friday, urging calm and pledging to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. He also canceled a scheduled visit to the U.N. General Assembly in New York to focus on addressing the disaster. A national memorial service will be held on September 27, as announced by Napat. The tragedy has sparked widespread concern in Vanuatu, highlighting the need for improved maritime safety regulations and enforcement. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in maritime transport.