New Zealand is to send accident investigators to help investigate the sinking of the MV Butiraoi in Kiribati.
The NZ Defence Force found seven survivors from a ferry with 50 people on board that was reported missing in Kiribati a week ago. Photo: NZ Defence Force
The inter-island ship sank on a voyage to Tarawa from Nonouti in late January, claiming more than 80 lives.
New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, said New Zealand was deeply saddened by the disaster.
He said the Kiribati Government has sought assistance so three staff from the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission will help Kiribati's Ministry of Transport with the investigation.
Mr Peters says they will help establish the causes of the accident and make recommendations on safety issues.
