Emergency teams were searching for more than 30 people after an inter-island ferry sank in Vanuatu, leaving at least one person dead.

The MV Matui went down with dozens of passengers and crew, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation in the island nation, located roughly 1,750km east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean, according to a statement released on Facebook by prime minister Jotham Napat's office on Sunday.

A total of 15 survivors were accounted for, officials said.

The ferry sank during severe weather on Friday while travelling between the islands of Ambae and Santo, New Zealand’s public broadcaster, RNZ, reported.

Mr Napat's office said that the search “in open waters is being eased off whilst efforts move towards a search along the southeast coast, where currents may have carried survivors".

“This loss appears to be the result of strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, and possibly of negligence including overloading of the vessel," the statement said.

"To the survivors, we pray for your strength and recovery. To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief."

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, the police, and the vessel's operator, Tui Shipping Agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.