Fiji, Sept. 14 -- The Vanuatu Government has transferred responsibility for the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) to the Prime Minister's Office as search and rescue operations continue following the tragic sinking of the MV Matui.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat issued an Instrument of Withdrawal and Assignment of Function under the Government Act [Cap 243], transferring responsibility for the VMSA from the Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean and Maritime Affairs to the Ministry of the Prime Minister.

The instrument, issued on 13 September, states that responsibility for the VMSA is withdrawn from the Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean and Maritime Affairs and assigned directly to the Ministry of the Prime Minister.

The move comes as questions ...