Search efforts are continuing for six people who remain missing after a boat travelling from Erromango to Tanna failed to arrive last Friday.

South Erromango Area Council Area Administrator Joe Nare Mete said families, authorities, boat owners and search teams have been looking for the missing passengers around Erromango, Tanna and surrounding waters.

The group reportedly left Dillons Bay in South Erromango for Tanna to attend a custom ceremony.

Mete said the journey took place despite marine warnings issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department, with rough seas reaching an estimated two-and-a-half to three metres and strong winds reported in the area.

He said three boats had initially been arranged to travel from Dillons Bay to Tanna. Two boats reached Whitegrass in Tanna, but the third boat, carrying six passengers, did not arrive.

The two boats that reached Tanna reportedly searched for the missing vessel before the search was called off as darkness fell.

Police in Tanna were alerted on Saturday, with local boat operators initially conducting searches around Tanna.

Mete said the situation later became more concerning, prompting the Member of Parliament for the constituency, councillors and other authorities to mobilise a wider search effort.

Search and rescue teams have since been involved, with additional assistance from Unity Airlines. Aircraft have searched areas extending westward towards New Caledonia, while further searches around the eastern side of Tanna and Erromango are also being considered.

Mete said there was still no official confirmation of the whereabouts of the six people as of this morning.

“The search has continued from last Friday until today. Families and everyone have been looking out and searching around the boats, lookout points and harbours, especially in South Erromango.”

He said the incident should also serve as a reminder for communities and boat operators to take marine warnings seriously.

“It is a big lesson for everyone to take marine warnings seriously. When authorities issue warnings, we as people on the ground must take them seriously because the sea is not our friend.”

Mete is appealing to anyone who may have seen anything that could assist the search to contact police in Tanna, the Area Council or police in Port Vila.

He also urged the public not to spread false information or rumours on social media while the search remains ongoing.

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident and the ongoing search.