The deputy director of the Pacific Community's transport programme says the region's ship operators are being put under a lot of pressure from the public resulting in overloaded boats.
Thierry Nervale's comments come as an investigation into a ferry disaster continues in Kiribati.
Mr Nervale told Koroi Hawkins while ship operators must ensure their vessels are sailing at capacity, the public also have a shared responsibility to prevent disasters like the one in Kiribati.
A ship being loaded with goods bound for the provinces at the Point Cruz Wharf in Honiara. Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins
