Vanuatu Ferry Disaster: Search teams are still working off Vanuatu after the MV Matui sank between Ambae and Santo, with 19 rescued and more than 30 still missing; officials say strong winds and marine warnings weren’t heeded, with possible overloading and slow response adding to the tragedy. Weather Warning Gap: Vanuatu’s top meteorologist says the VMGD can forecast and warn, but lacks authority to stop vessels going out—highlighting a Pacific-wide problem of turning warnings into action. Tourism Development (Outer Islands): Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism has just completed a mission to Aneityum and Futuna, pushing new visitor experiences beyond cruise days—homestays, hiking, agritourism and conservation/botanical tourism—plus guidance on permits, standards and marketing. Regional Sport & Culture: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums arrived in Fiji for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Suva, Sept 17–Oct 3), with Vanuatu’s Melanesian sports scene staying in the spotlight. Health Travel Alert: The CDC flagged dengue risk for travellers including Vanuatu, urging bite-prevention steps like repellent and protective clothing. Vanuatu in the Media: Vanuatu journalists took part in the Pacific Media Mana Class 2026 in Tonga, training to report weather, climate and ocean risks more clearly.